Conveyancing / Solicitors

How Conveyancing Works

PROPERTY ADVICE BLOG - Property Advice - How does conveyancing work?

 
Who provides a conveyancing service?

The process of conveyancing is usually carried out by a solicitor or licensed conveyancer. Many firms offer a competitively priced conveyancing service which incorporates all aspects of conveyancing including searches, enquires and legal paperwork. It is also possible for individuals to undertake their own conveyancing.

The process is actually relatively straight forward despite what some conveyancers may have you believe. In fact as mentioned above it is possible to do all the conveyancing work yourself (there is no legal obligation to use a conveyancer or solicitor) however here at PROPERTY ADVICE BLOG we always recommend you do use a conveyancer or solicitor to ensure you are fully legally covered in the transaction.

The actual conveyancing process is:

• The buyer negotiates a price with the seller and thereafter organises a survey of the property.
• The solicitor or conveyancer begins pre-contract enquiries and searches.
• A draft contract is prepared by the seller’s solicitor or conveyancer which is to be approved by the purchaser’s solicitor or conveyancer.
• Relevant property advice and information is prepared by the seller’s solicitor and given to the buyer’s solicitor. This information should adhere to the rules of the Law Society’s National Protocol for domestic conveyancing.

In general, conveyancing takes between 10 to 12 weeks. However, timescales may vary depending on financial, legal, social and personal constrictions. It is actually perfectly possible to exchange and complete on the same day (there is no need to have a period in between if you don't need it) and the whole process can be done in as little as 3 to 4 weeks. A lot depends on your individual conveyancer or solicitor and how quickly they process everything - we recommend that you agree a timescale with them at the outset and push them all the way through the transaction as many conveyancers and solictors have been known to drag their heels!

Either party can legally pull out of the transaction at any point and for any reason before the exchange of contracts. This can result in emotional and financial stress for both parties.