UK PROPERTY NEWS & ADVICE

Ten Step Guide to Conveyancing

In case you have ever what conveyancing is, it is the legal process through which property is transferred from one party to another before moving home. The following describes the process in ten major steps: http://www.saga.co.uk/legal/conveyancing/what-is-conveyancing.aspx

Step 1 – Find a solicitor

It is advisable that you avoid using the conveyancer recommended to you by the estate agent as this recommendation will most likely be based on commission and cost you more. Get quotes and seek out online reviews to make sure that you not only have the best price, but the best price and service available.

Once you have chosen the company that you wish to undertake the conveyancing services for you, they will then draft a contract. This sets out the terms under which they will perform their services for you, including charges and the deposit.

Step 2 - Write to seller’s solicitor

When satisfied that everything is in order, the conveyancer will then write a letter to the solicitor of the person selling their home to you. This is in order to request a draft of the contract.

Step 3 - Examination of the draft contract of sale

You and your conveyancer will examine the draft, as well as all of the supporting documents and then raise any issues that might exist. If the seller’s camp is in agreement, terms may be modified or removed from the contract.

Step 4 – Property searches and checks

The conveyancer will perform a series of legal checks on the property to ensure that there are no details about your future property of which you might be unaware. This is as well as checking that all of the responsibilities set out in the contract have been undertaken and that all fixtures and fittings are left as agreed. The seller’s solicitor will make sure that you have the necessary funds in place to make a deposit.

Step 5 – prepare the mortgage

First you will need to get a quotation for a mortgage, which will be carried on behalf of the mortgage lender to make sure that the property provides sufficient collateral for the loan. You are normally required to pay for the valuation, although some mortgage companies offer the service for free as part of the whole package.

Step 6 – Any other surveys?

Decide if you need any other surveys to be completed in consultation with your conveyance. This decision will depend on your specific circumstances.

Step 7 – Obtain buildings insurance

Before exchanging contracts, you will be required by your mortgage lender to obtain insurance. It is very much in your interest as well as theirs that you obtain insurance because the property is your responsibility after contracts have been exchanged.

Contracts

Step 8 – Signing the contract

When both parties are happy with the terms of the contract, it will need to be signed.

Step 9 - Completion

The money will be transferred from your account to that of the seller, then the keys will be handed over and the sale will be complete.

Step 10 - After sale

You must contact the Land Registry to register the change of ownership and stamp duty must be paid.

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