When a property is sold there is a significant amount of administrative and legal work required – a process known as conveyancing.
This can be a complicated process, and although individuals may undertake it there are many potential pitfalls, and employing an experienced conveyancer is advisable.
The Law Society operates a quality scheme for legal experts which is trusted by the majority of lenders as well as regulators.
Primary Role
Fees obviously apply in conveyancing, but many of these are common to all transactions, and an explanation of conveyancing fees can be found online at sites such as https://www.samconveyancing.co.uk/news/conveyancing/conveyancing-costs-explained-3366.
So what does a conveyancer actually do? Their primary role is to establish the bona fides of the vendor and ensure that they have the right to sell the property and that no debts attach to it.
They will also carry out what are known as Local Searches, checking that any alterations to the property such as extensions have the appropriate planning permission. These searches will also establish where boundaries are located, as well as responsibility for maintenance of services such as drainage.
Contracts
The conveyancer will also check Land Registry records or title deeds to ensure there are no onerous restrictions on the property and its use. Leasehold properties can be more complicated, and the conveyancer will check the length of the lease and its annual cost, as well as any service charges which are currently applicable.
Your conveyancer will then involve themselves with the preparation of the contract of sale and subsequent negotiations. These contracts will then be exchanged, with a deposit paid by the purchaser, and later completion will take place.
Throughout the process the conveyancer will also act for the lender to ensure that any required mortgage is in place. Unless you are a first-time buyer, your conveyancer will also deal with the repayment of your existing mortgage.
Finally, your conveyancer will ensure ownership changes are carried out at the Land Registry and forward the deeds to any lender for security.
By employing a trusted conveyancer, you will ensure that you are kept abreast of developments throughout the process, which with recurring deadlines and property chains can be quite stressful. You should also have any documents you are required to sign explained to you.
A good relationship with your conveyancer will ensure a smooth purchase.
