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If you want to buy or sell property in England, conveyancing is part of the process.

Conveyancing is the legal service carried out by a solicitor when you are buying or selling a property. It is a necessary part of the process and must be completed for the transaction to be legally valid.

It involves tasks such as:

• Reviewing and exchanging title deeds
• Examining property surveys
• Carrying out searches
• Managing the completion of the sale

The role of the solicitor / conveyancer

Your conveyancing solicitor or licensed conveyancer will act on your behalf when dealing with the other party in the transaction, whether an individual or a business. Their role is to protect your interests and ensure you understand what is often a complex legal process.

They will review all relevant documents, advise you on their contents and help you meet any conditions set by your mortgage lender.

Why do I need a conveyancing solicitor?

As with any area of law, conveyancing is complex and full of potential pitfalls. For most people, buying a property is the largest financial commitment they will ever make. It is essential that the legal work is done properly to avoid costly issues later on.

A solicitor or qualified conveyancer has the training and experience to ensure everything is handled correctly and in your best interests.

Can I do my own conveyancing in England?

While it is technically possible to carry out your own conveyancing, it is strongly advised against.

If the transaction involves a mortgage, it is highly likely that the lender will insist that a qualified professional is used for the conveyancing.

Property law involves strict procedures, legal jargon and detailed checks that must be followed precisely. Mistakes can lead to delays, disputes or even the collapse of the transaction.

If you attempt DIY conveyancing, you could also find yourself liable for problems that a professional would have spotted and addressed.

Unlike professionals, you won’t have the peace of mind that comes with knowing your conveyancer is regulated by a body such as the Solicitors Regulation Authority or the Council for Licensed Conveyancers, with clear standards in place to protect clients, along with indemnity insurance should anything go wrong.

Much like cutting your own hair, yes you can try, but it’s usually best left to the professionals.

How much does conveyancing services cost in Teesside, North Yorkshire and the surrounding areas?

The cost of conveyancing also varies depending on where you are in the country. On average, fees tend to be lower in the North East of England compared to higher-cost areas like London or the South East.

Conveyancing fees can also differ depending on the solicitor or licensed conveyancer you choose, as well as the type of property and the specific details of your transaction. While it might be tempting to go with the cheapest option, it’s important to remember that conveyancing is not a one-size-fits-all service.

Property experts often advise looking beyond price alone. Consider the conveyancer’s experience, the reputation of their firm, any standout features they offer and, perhaps most importantly, whether you feel comfortable and confident in their ability to guide you through the process.

In addition to legal fees, you’ll also need to cover conveyancing disbursements. Your conveyancer will explain these costs in detail so you know exactly what to expect.

What are conveyancing disbursements?

Conveyancing disbursements are the additional costs your solicitor pays to third parties on your behalf during the property transaction. These typically include things like local authority searches, Land Registry fees and charges for bank transfers.

They are separate from your solicitor’s legal fees and will be clearly itemised in your cost estimate so you can see exactly what you’re paying for.

How long does conveyancing take?

The time it takes to complete a property transaction can vary depending on several factors, but on average, most property purchases or sales in England and Wales take between 8 to 12 weeks from instruction to completion.

Delays can arise due to issues such as slow responses from other parties, delays in mortgage offers, problems uncovered in searches or surveys or complications within a property chain.

We are a firm of expert conveyancing solicitors with offices in Middlesbrough & Redcar

If you are planning to buy or sell property anywhere in England or Wales, our experienced conveyancing team is available to assist.

You can find further information on our Property & Conveyancing page, or Contact Us to arrange a free, no-obligation discussion and to receive a quote.

This content is for informational purposes and is not intended as legal advice.