Do you need a lawyer for conveyancing?

Are you wondering if you need a lawyer when moving into a new property? The short answer is yes, if you want the legal process to be handled correctly. The job of a conveyancer is to take care of the legalities regarding the buying and selling of a property.

Although you are not obligated to use a lawyer, it often results in a total collapse if you don’t. This is because there may be consequential delays in the process of buying a house.

‘Conveyancing’ is the term used for the transfer of property ownership, and there are a number of things a conveyancer will overlook for you including:

• Giving legal advice
• Dealing with land registry
• Handling contracts
• Carrying out local council searches
• Transferring funds for the payment of a property

There is a rather lengthy process of conveyancing, and here’s how it works:

After an accepted offer, estate agents will send over all the necessary information that will be required. This includes information about the buyer and seller, as well as the offer price.

The solicitor will ask for the contract documents. They will contain details about the property, such as the fixtures.
A building survey and searches of the local area are essential. Solicitors will be informed by surveyors of any searches that need to be made.

The solicitor will thoroughly read through contracts sent over from the sellers’ solicitor.
After the building report, buyers can decide to change their offer. A solicitor will check the mortgage to ensure that the price is correct.
Buyer will then sign the contract, mortgage deed and stamp duty land tax.
Buyer and seller will now exchange contracts through their solicitors.
The buyer can move once seller’s solicitor confirms the receipt of money.

How much will a conveyancing solicitor cost you?

The price of a conveyancer will vary depending on the complexity of the purchase. For example, purchasing a leasehold property needs more paperwork than a freehold property resulting in more costly conveyancing fees. You can expect to pay somewhere between £500 – £1500. You can often find tools which will give you conveyancing quotes on property sites such as ReallyMoving.com. These quotes are given by expert licensed conveyancers.

There are multiple ways you can find professionally qualified conveyancers to aid you in buying a property:

• Search local companies who specialise in conveyancing
• Use conveyancing quote tools
• Ask friends and family for recommendations

When using a solicitor, it is important to make sure they are a member of the Law Society of England and Wales/Law Society of Scotland as well as the Law Society’s Conveyancing Quality Scheme.

In short, it is best to leave the complex process of conveyancing to a legal professional who will ensure to thoroughly go through the legalities of the sale of a property. Be sure to do your research, and find a lawyer who is trusted and will be sure to aid in a swift sale of your desired property.

At DPH Law, we offer a range of services designed to speed up the conveyancing process and provide our clients with a stress-free experience.