Why do I need a conveyancing solicitor?

Answer

A conveyancing solicitor handles the legal transfer of property ownership from one person to another. This is known as the conveyancing process. 

People instruct conveyancing solicitors when they are buying or selling a house to deal with the legalities of the transaction. 

The job of the conveyancer is to keep you updated on the progress of the purchase or sale and to act on your behalf throughout the conveyancing process to ensure that everything is done correctly and legally. 

A conveyancing solicitor will carry out identification checks and request confirmation of fittings and contents for the property. It will also request official title documents from the Land Registry and details of the amount outstanding on the mortgage. The conveyancer will also conduct searches on the property to find out if there is anything to be aware of such as if the house is on a flood plain. 

Conveyancing solicitors will liaise with you and the other party’s solicitor to ensure that all the documents are in order to be able to exchange contracts and legally complete the transaction.

When selling your house, it is best to instruct a conveyancing solicitor before you have found a buyer so that the process can be as smooth as possible. Early instruction means that solicitors can review the relevant legal documentation in advance and advise you on which documents you will need to obtain for the sale.

When you are buying a house, a conveyancing solicitor can be instructed when an offer has been accepted on a property. When buying a house, the name of your conveyancing solicitor will be one of the first things that you will be asked to provide.