Conveyancing is the transfer of property from one legal owner to another. Whilst the paperwork involved may seem like a chore simply designed to lengthen the process, it is important to remember that the process is there to protect all involved in the transaction and ensure it is concluded fairly and legally without any future repercussions for either the buyer or the seller.
Do I Need a Conveyancer?
In theory, you can do the paperwork yourself, but it is strongly advised that conveyancing solicitors such as https://www.samconveyancing.co.uk/Conveyancing-Solicitors are employed, and if mortgages are involved in the transaction, the mortgage providers will insist that conveyancing solicitors are used. Conveyancers are regulated by the Society of Licensed Conveyancers, and you can find a licensed conveyancer near you through their website. As moving is so expensive, it might be tempting to try to take on the work yourself to save some money, but transactions are rarely completely straightforward, and the fee is well worth it for that expert knowledge.
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What Will the Conveyancer Do?
The tasks a conveyancer will carry out on your behalf are slightly different for buyers and sellers. There are many instances where an individual is both a buyer and a seller and will have the conveyancer act for them in both parts of the chain. For buyers, a conveyancer should be instructed as soon as the offer has been accepted. They will then receive what is known as a contract pack from the seller’s conveyancer. This pack includes the sale contract, documents from the land registry, the property information form, including fixtures and fittings details, and any other relevant documents such as safety certificates or guarantees for building work or appliances included in the sale. The conveyancer will go through this with the buyer and seek any clarification required from the seller’s conveyancer. They will also contact the buyer’s mortgage company if applicable and pass on the information required to secure the funding against the property. The buyer’s conveyancer will also request the relevant searches on the property.
When selling a property, it is wise to have a conveyancer instructed as soon as the property goes on the market. That way, when an offer is accepted there is no delay whilst a conveyancer is sought. The seller and their conveyancer will need to gather information so the contract pack can be sent once an offer is accepted.