Solicitors conveyancing – How the Process Works

Solicitors conveyancing requires a fair amount of skill and expertise and therefore it’s always the best idea to use a good team of solicitors to oversee the process. A conveyancer will take you through the arduous purchase, selling and remortgaging process ensuring it’s as painless as possible. All paperwork will be handled by your solicitor on your behalf and your solicitor will also represent your mortgage lender to ensure that your mortgage is repaid.

Whilst it’s possible to carry out your own conveyancing this is filled with risk and many mortgage companies will not agree a mortgage if a qualified solicitor is not overseeing the process. Solicitors conveyancing is a process that needs years of experience in order to ensure you move into your dream home as quickly as possible and without any problems.

The conveyancing process involves the following:

* Verification of property ownership and ensuring the title deed is obtained. The title refers to a number of rights regarding the property and is not to be confused with possession.
* Processing a number of local authority searches.
* Ensuring the land in question is registered and checking other aspects of the property including what materials it is constructed from.
* Ensuring that any planned alterations (if applicable) have the required planning permission and if they are still under warranty. Documents will usually be required as proof.
* Checking that any outstanding debts are cleared before exchange of contracts
* In the case of leasehold properties, the lease and any associated clauses will be checked over.
* Drawing up the contract of sale.
* Registering a new title detailing the name of the new owner.

It’s important to note that nothing is legally binding until exchange of contracts has taken place. If the sale falls through and in many cases they do, you will still be liable to pay search fees and legal costs. Buyers and sellers are bound legally to complete on a date agreed by all parties and that on completion day the new buyers move in and the sellers move out once all monetary transactions have been completed.

There are also certain legal fees which are part of solicitors conveyancing. The amount you will be charged will depend on the time the solicitor takes to carry out certain tasks and these will usually be included on your conveyancing quote under the heading of ‘disbursements’. These fees vary quite a bit between firms, but a good rule of thumb is around 1% of the total purchase price.

The conveyancing process can seem a little daunting at first, but good solicitor conveyancing comprises of excellent communication, good value for money and expertise in all aspects of the process. You can also ensure swift completion by ensuring you return all documentation requested of you in a timely manner. You should also be completely honest about your situation and the property you are selling.

If you would like to find out more about solicitors conveyancing or are looking for a cost effective quote, get in touch with our team today.