Did you know that anyone can act as a conveyancer? Legally, there is absolutely nothing to stop you from embarking on the process of buying a house by yourself.
However, we would never recommend you do this. Conveyancing is an incredibly complicated process and the risk that you’ll get something wrong is very high. You could cause issues for yourself by missing something out of a contract or mess up your rights as an owner, so it is really important you find a qualified solicitor to sort out your conveyancing for you.
But what do conveyancing solicitors actually do? And how do you know you’re getting the right one?
What does a conveyancing solicitor do?
Your home is probably the most expensive commodity you’ve ever bought. Whether you’re buying a house to live in or as a business opportunity, you want to make sure your paperwork is airtight.
You’ll need a conveyancing solicitor whether you are buying or selling a property, and they’ll do different jobs depending on which you are doing. Their main role is to make sure that the transaction is legal, and to deal with dozens of small tasks, such as carrying out local searches and liaising with the other side’s solicitor to arrange a completion date.
They should also be driving the process forward, updating you regularly, and answering any questions you have.
How long does conveyancing take
The conveyancing process takes 8-12 weeks, and begins when a purchase price has been agreed by the seller.
Sellers
Your conveyancer will need your property’s title deeds, which you might have yourself, or a solicitor might have them. If you have a mortgage, your conveyancer will request them from your lender.
You’ll then be asked to check a property information form, which will outline the details of your draft contract. It is really important you read through this properly.
Your conveyancer will liaise with the buyer’s solicitor to iron out any issues, queries or concerns, and they will make sure it is documented and known what is included in the sale.
Buyers
If you’re a buyer, your conveyancing solicitor plays a vital role in the purchase of your property. They make sure you know exactly what you’re buying. Remember, a house does not become yours until contracts have been exchanged, so the period before this, when you will be liaising with your solicitor, is the time to pull out if you want to.
Your solicitor will complete many duties on your behalf, including studying your draft contract to determine if the property is leasehold or freehold, and checking property searches to make sure there are no issues with the land and surrounding area you might not know about.
If you’re buying a new home whilst selling your old home, then it makes sense to use the same conveyancing solicitor for both, as they can then try to tie up the move out and move in dates to make the process easier for you.
Checking on progress
Don’t be shy on checking in on progress with your conveyancing solicitor, though they should be contacting you regularly with an update on their progress. You should receive updates on a fairly regular basis, especially if you are part of a chain, where the sale could collapse if things are taking too long.
Exchanging contracts
When the time comes to buy a property, you’ll need to transfer your deposit for the property to your solicitor. A word of caution here.
Fraud is rife at the moment, so it is vitally important if you are sent a letter from your solicitor with a request to transfer money and bank details to do so that you call your solicitor from a number you’ve used for them before and cross reference the details they’ve sent you.
JMR Conveyancing Solicitors
The property law solicitors at JMR Solicitors are knowledgeable, experienced and appreciate how important this transaction is to you. Your home is most likely the biggest asset you own, and whether you’re buying a new house or selling a property, JMR Solicitors can offer you the expert service you need. Our dedicated team of experts are friendly and knowledgeable, and deliver a highly personable service.
We understand the importance of speed, particularly where the purchase of residential property is concerned. We’ll work hard to provide a speedy and stress-free service, and can help you with:
- transactions concerning buying/selling property for first time buyers, buy to let, and other investments,
- overseas investment of property,
- new mortgages and re-mortgaging legal service,
- gifting property and transfer of equity,
- helping property investors,
- helping charities,
- shared ownership & Help to Buy Schemes,
- extending an existing lease.
Call 0161 491 3933, or email info@jmrsolicitors.co.uk to speak to a dedicated member of our team.