Are you buying or selling a home? A conveyancing solicitor is an expert legal advisor who knows everything about buying and selling a home. They help you handle the legal aspects of the contract to make sure everything is done properly and to ensure you do indeed own the home at the end of the deal.
The conveyancing process is easy when you have the right professionals. When you exchange contracts, conveyancing solicitors can help to make sure the process is done properly.
What is conveyancing?
Conveyancing is the legal process of transferring the ownership of a property from one person to another. It involves drawing up and exchanging contracts, as well as conducting searches on the property to make sure there are no outstanding planning permissions or other legal issues that could affect the sale. Hence, what is a conveyancing solicitor? Simple, a solicitor who specialises in the conveyancing process. They help you with all aspects of this legal process.
Related article: How Long Does Conveyancing Take?
How to find a good conveyancing solicitor
It’s important to choose a qualified and experienced conveyancing solicitor to handle your sale or purchase. You can ask friends and family for recommendations or look online for well-reviewed firms. Once you’ve found a few solicitors you like, be sure to check they are on the panel of your chosen mortgage lender. You should also ask for quotes from each solicitor to compare their fees.
What is the cost of the conveyancing process?
The cost of conveyancing depends on the value of the property you are buying or selling. You can expect to pay around £850 – £1,500 for a standard conveyancing transaction. However, if your property is more complex, such as being leasehold or in multiple occupations (HMO), the fees may be higher. It is therefore always good to look at multiple quotes.
Factor these types of costs into your property search, as you need to be aware of conveyancing fees and other fees that might be attached to the buying process when you begin to budget your price range. Conveyancing services are one of many services you will need when buying or selling a house.
What are the duties of a conveyancing solicitor?
Your conveyancer will manage the legal process of buying or selling your property. The conveyancing process involves:
- Preparing and sending the contract to the other party
- Organising searches on the property
- Dealing with stamp duty (if you’re buying a property)
- Transferring the mortgage to the new owner (if you’re selling a property)
- Exchanging contracts
- Completing the conveyancing process
A good conveyancer will make sure that everything is done correctly and on time so you can avoid any stressful legal issues further down the line.
Why conveyancing matters
The conveyancing process is important because it ensures the property you are buying or selling is legally sound. It also gives you peace of mind that everything has been done correctly and there are no hidden surprises waiting for you. Their knowledge of property law and ability to understand the legal documents involved, and draft new contracts when changes happen, makes selling a property easier and safer. You don’t want to opt into a legally binding contract without legal help; a conveyancing solicitor is that help.
A good conveyancer will also be able to spot any potential problems with the property before the exchange of contracts, which could save you a lot of money and stress further down the line.
The benefits of using a conveyancing solicitor
There are many benefits to using a conveyancing solicitor when buying or selling a property. A good conveyancer will:
- Make sure the legal process is done correctly
- Save you time and stress
- Spot any potential problems with the property before you exchange contracts
- Help to negotiate on your behalf if there are any issues with the sale or purchase
- Give you peace of mind that everything is being taken care of properly and legally
Is a conveyancer the same as a solicitor?
Many people ask, solicitor or conveyancer? Well, a conveyancing solicitor is a specialist legal advisor who deals with the legal aspects of buying and selling property. They are different from a solicitor in that they do not provide general legal advice, but they are experts in their field. Both help you with legal services; however, when it comes to a property transaction, a conveyancing solicitor is experienced and trained to help you and ensure that you have legal ownership of the home.
