When should I get a conveyancing solicitor when buying a house?

Last updated on February 28th, 2021 at 10:24 pm

If you are considering buying a house, then you will need a conveyancing solicitor to help you through the process. Here Graysons’ team of legal conveyancing solicitors in Sheffield and expert property solicitors in Chesterfield answer some of the most frequent questions about house conveyancing, including why you need a property solicitor, what the legal conveyancing process is, how long it typically takes, as well as giving guidance on how to choose a conveyancing solicitor.

Why do I need a property solicitor when I buy a house?

A property solicitor will go through the legal process of buying a house, effectively transferring legal ownership of the house from one person to another. In the UK this is known as legal conveyancing.

While technically you can carry out the residential conveyancing process yourself, it is a high-risk thing to do, especially as a house is likely to be your largest investment. The conveyancing process is complex, multi-faceted, and all too often problems arise. A skilled conveyancing lawyer will be able to make sure all due diligence is carried out on the property you intend to buy. This includes troubleshooting any issues that may arise, advising on the necessary searches required, sending enquiries out, approving the contract from the seller, and managing exchange and completion. They will ensure that all legal requirements are met and that your rights are protected.

Additionally, if you are buying a property with a mortgage, it is highly likely that your mortgage provider will insist that you use the services of an experienced property solicitor. At Graysons, our team of legal conveyancing solicitors in Sheffield and conveyancing solicitors in Chesterfield have helped thousands of people buy a house.

What documents will a conveyancing lawyer request from me?

When you buy a house, you will need to provide your residential conveyancing lawyer with various documents and information. It is a good idea to start preparing while looking for a property so as when an offer is accepted, you are ready to proceed with the residential conveyancing process straight away. Typical documents you will need to provide to your conveyancing solicitor include:

• Proof of identity, such as a passport or driving licence
• Proof of address, such as a utility bill or council tax bill
• Proof of funds, including up-to-date bank statements and mortgage offer letter, if you are using a mortgage to part-finance the property purchase
• Proof of insurance on the property you intend to buy if you are purchasing the property with a mortgage.

What is the house conveyancing buying process?

There are a number of stages involved during the house conveyancing process when buying a home. This includes:

• Confirmation of instructions
• Proof of identity checks and source of funds
• Requesting draft contract from the seller’s conveyancing solicitor
• Obtaining the seller’s fittings and contents form, along with copies of the title documents
• Carrying out any necessary searches
• Raising any pre-contract enquiries
• Carrying out the legal work required on behalf of your mortgage lender
• Handling exchange of contracts, completion, and transfer of funds
• Dealing with payment of stamp duty
• Registration of transfer of ownership at the Land Registry

When you instruct a legal conveyancing expert, such as Graysons’ team of skilled conveyancing solicitors in Sheffield and Chesterfield, then you can rest assured that every stage of the house conveyancing process will be expertly handled.

What searches should I get my conveyancing solicitor to carry out?  

When you buy a house, your conveyancing solicitor will recommend what searches you should carry out on the property as many are location specific. There are variety searches, however, not all of them are always necessary. Some common searches include:

• Local authority – this search covers information on the property held by the local authority, including highlighting any prospective planning permissions or restrictions and who is responsible for the maintenance of roads and paths that adjoin the property
• Land registry – this search confirms that the seller is the legal owner of the property and identifies any charges registered
• Water authority – this search will confirm where the property’s water comes from and drains to
• Environmental – this legal conveyancing search will advise on local factors effecting the house, such as whether it has been built on an old landfill site, is at risk of flooding, or is situated near contaminated water

Searches are carried out during the residential conveyancing process before exchange of contracts and provide vital information on the property you intend to buy that could affect its value further down the line. Searches may throw up, for example, if a large development is planned near the property, whether it sits on land that was previously used for industrial purposes, if it is at high risk of flooding, or even if the property’s owner is liable for repairs on the local church.

How long does it take a conveyancing solicitor to complete a house sale?

Residential conveyancing typically takes anywhere between eight to 12 weeks from the time a sale is agreed, and a property solicitor is instructed. The time the residential conveyancing process takes will depend on whether you are part of a chain, the complexity of the sale, and whether any pre-contract enquiries require further investigations. When you use an experienced property solicitor, such as Graysons’ team of conveyancing solicitors in Sheffield and Chesterfield, they will work diligently to ensure a smooth legal conveyancing process, keeping you up-to-date at all times.

Can you use the same property solicitor to act on both the sale and purchase of a new house?

Yes, if you are selling a house and then buying a new house at the same time, you should use the same property solicitor to act on both the sale and purchase. Indeed, will help ensure a smooth legal conveyancing process.

What do I need to look for when choosing a conveyancing solicitor?

You should look for an experienced conveyancing solicitor with the necessary qualifications and credentials, such as Graysons’ team of conveyancing solicitors in Chesterfield and Sheffield. Buying a house is a complex and timely process, so it is important that you work with an expert who has your best interests in mind.

Should I use a conveyancing solicitor near me?

No, you do not need to use a conveyancing solicitor who is local to you. It is far more important to choose a property solicitor based on their experience and expertise, rather than their proximity to you. Graysons’ team of conveyancing solicitors in Sheffield and Chesterfield have worked with property buyers from across the UK. The entire residential conveyancing process can be managed digitally and by post, offering the most convenience. If you are buying a house and need a conveyancing solicitor, then contact Graysons’ team of conveyancing solicitors in Sheffield and Chesterfield today.