Buying or selling a home can be an exciting yet overwhelming experience, especially when it comes to the legal side of things. That’s where a conveyancer comes in. But what exactly does a conveyancer do? How long does the process take? And do you really need one? In this blog, we answer some of the most common conveyancing questions to help you understand the process and make your move stress-free.
What Does a Conveyancer Actually Do?
A conveyancer handles all the legal aspects of your property transaction, whether you’re buying, selling, or transferring a property. Their job includes dealing with the Land Registry and ensuring that all legal requirements are met for the sale or purchase. They also manage things like drafting contracts and completing necessary checks on the property’s title, ensuring there are no hidden issues.
How Long Does the Conveyancing Process Take?
The length of the conveyancing process can vary depending on various factors, but on average, it takes around three to six months. This timeline can be affected by whether the property is freehold or leasehold, as well as other factors like local searches and the speed at which the other parties in the transaction move. It’s always a good idea to plan ahead and allow some flexibility for any delays.
Do I Need a Conveyancer Before I Make an Offer?
While it’s not strictly necessary to have a conveyancer before making an offer, we recommend getting in touch with one early, particularly if you’re selling. Once an offer has been secured, your conveyancer can immediately begin preparing the contract, which speeds up the process. The sooner you involve them, the smoother the transaction will be.
Do I Really Need a Conveyancer if I’m a Cash Buyer?
This is a common myth, but the truth is that whether you’re buying with a mortgage or in cash, you still need a conveyancer. Even without a mortgage lender involved, your conveyancer will carry out essential legal checks to ensure there are no restrictions on the property’s title, such as planning restrictions or issues that could affect its value.
Is the Cheapest Conveyancer Always the Best Option?
While it might be tempting to go for the cheapest option, choosing your conveyancer based on price alone is not always the best idea. It’s important to consider their experience and expertise. A cheaper conveyancer might not have the same level of skill or attention to detail, which could lead to costly mistakes later on. Selecting an experienced conveyancer can help you avoid problems down the road.
Are Conveyancing Searches Really Necessary?
Absolutely. While it may feel like an extra step that slows things down, conveyancing searches are crucial. They uncover important information, such as potential flood risks, planning restrictions, or other legal issues related to the property. These checks help protect you from making a poor investment by ensuring that there are no hidden problems that could affect your property’s value or your ability to enjoy it.
Do New Build Homes Need Conveyancing Checks?
Yes, even new build properties require thorough checks. Despite being newly constructed, new builds can still have issues, such as restrictive covenants, delayed completion dates, or unresolved legal matters. A conveyancer will make sure these issues are identified and resolved before you commit to the purchase, giving you peace of mind that everything is in order.
How Can I Make My Move Stress-Free?
The conveyancing process doesn’t have to be a source of stress. By getting in touch with an expert conveyancer early, you can ensure that all the legal aspects of your property transaction are handled professionally and efficiently. This will allow you to focus on the exciting parts of moving into your new home.
If you have any further questions or need help with your property transaction, our team of expert conveyancers is here to assist. Get in touch today to make your move as smooth and stress-free as possible.