If you are buying or selling a home, then you will need to work with a conveyancing solicitor. Whilst there is a common misconception that conveyancing solicitors simply fill out paperwork, there is actually a lot more to the conveyancing process which is extremely complex and can involve everything from arranging searches and offering vital legal advice to transferring the title deeds.
We spoke to some experienced conveyancing solicitors in Essex to give you an insight into the role they play during property purchase and help you know what to look for when choosing a conveyancer to work with.
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What is a Conveyancing Solicitor?
A conveyancing solicitor is a fully qualified, practising solicitor who specialises in residential property and can undertake the conveyancing process on your behalf. Their main role is facilitating the legal transfer of property from a seller to a buyer and addressing any legal issues that can arise during the buying or selling process.
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What Does a Conveyancing Solicitor Do?
The role of a conveyancer will vary depending on whether they represent the buyer or the seller, but overall, it is their responsibility to deal with all the small, important details involved in the process and ensure that the transaction of buying or selling a property goes through legally.
Here are some examples of the many important tasks which are handled by a conveyancing solicitor;
- Communication with clients and everyone involved from start to finish to keep them all in the loop
- Property searches
- Exchanging contracts
- Legal advice
- Putting together and issuing a contract pack
- Review and advise on contract pack
- Provide advice on property searches and surveys
- Transfer payment or receive payment
- Communicate with mortgage broker
- Reply to any queries raised
- File the stamp duty information with the revenue and send payment
- Register everything at the land registry
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Do I Have to Use a Conveyancing Solicitor?
Legally, you are not required to hire a conveyancing solicitor, and it is something that you could technically handle yourself. However, it is not recommended that buyers or sellers undertake this task due to the complex nature of conveyancing and the potential risk of costly mistakes.
A licensed conveyancing solicitor will have the extensive knowledge and experience needed to ensure that everything runs as smoothly as possible and with such high stakes involved, help to prevent errors that could be potentially devastating.
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What are the Benefits of Using a Professional Conveyancer?
Hiring a conveyancing solicitor can provide a wide range of benefits for those embarking on the process of buying or selling a property. Here are some of the many advantages of working with a professional conveyancer;
- In-depth knowledge of property law can help save time and legal complications as well as ensure that all legal obligations are met.
- Provide tailored support and advice that helps you to make sensible, safe and informed decisions.
- They will liaise with the various parties on your behalf, including the local authorities, the buyers or seller’s conveyancer and estate agents.
- Helps to protect your best interests and mitigate the risk of things like undisclosed property defects, legal disputes and hidden liabilities that can occur during conveyancing transactions.
- Works to ensure the process is as smooth, stress-free and efficient as possible by taking care of all the necessary paperwork, contracts and property searches as well as ensuring legal compliance.
