Myth 1: Conveyancing can be cheap
The myth that you can secure conveyancing services for under £100 is simply not true. If you find such a conveyancer, check your contract carefully as you may be charged for every email read, text sent, or paperclip used.
Generally, you get what you pay for with a conveyancing solicitor - if your quotes sound too good to be true then they probably are. Conveyancing is complex and an extremely important part of the house purchasing and selling process.
Concentrate on getting value for money from your chosen solicitor, ensuring they take the strain of the paperwork whilst keeping you informed every step of the way.
Myth 2: Conveyancing is quick and easy
Another misconception is that conveyancing is a simple process. Conveyancing can be time consuming and complicated.
Even seemingly straightforward sales can run into difficulties and delays. There could be
issues that are uncovered with surveys, delays with documents, or problems within a property chain that can end up lengthening and complicating the conveyancing process.
Myth 3: You don’t need a solicitor for conveyancing
Due to the complexity of conveyancing, it is recommended to use a solicitor or licensed conveyancer to carry out the conveyancing for your move.
You might be considering doing your own conveyancing in order to save money, but this could end up costing you more in the long run if you are to run into issues and delays.
Conveyancers and solicitors are experts that are equipped to deal with any complications.
Myth 4: Conveyancers arrange the house survey
Contrary to popular belief conveyancing solicitors do not arrange a
home survey. In a reallymoving study conducted of 900 people a few years ago, 54% of respondents in fact believed the solicitor would arrange a house survey.
Similarly, a fifth of respondents thought that an estate agent could carry out the conveyancing of their house move.
The confusion appears to lie between the concept of
surveys and
searches, with conveyancing solicitors employed to carry out the latter.
Myth 5: You have to use a local conveyancer
As local knowledge of the area of the property is not required for conveyancing, and the tasks your solicitor will have to complete can be done online, using a local, high street conveyancer is not necessary.
Searches are performed online with the Land Registry and local authorities, documentation can be posted or emailed, and communication can be conducted over the phone, through email or by post.
Many national firms also have a case tracker system, which is updated when any progress has been made and can be accessed by clients at all times.
We have more information about
whether your conveyancing solicitor needs to be local from one of our conveyancing Property Professors.
Appoint your conveyancing solicitor carefully and ensure they have the relevant experience and qualifications to handle delays and any obstacles along the way. Check their background using a
conveyancing solicitor directory with reviews and opinions from home owners who have used these conveyancers in the past.
Conveyancing myths FAQs
What are common complications during the conveyancing process?
Some of the most common complications that can arise during the conveyancing process include:
If there are any issues during the conveyancing process, your conveyancer should be able to discuss what this means and how these will impact the sale.
How long should conveyancing take?
How long conveyancing takes will depend on factors such as the length of the property chain, the age and condition of the property, and whether the property has any complications such as being in a conservation area.
On average, it takes around 8-12 weeks for conveyancing to be done.
Who organises a property survey?
In England and Wales, the buyer is responsible for organising a property survey. This is slightly different in Scotland as the seller will provide a Single Survey as part of the Home Report.