What Is a Conveyancing Solicitor and What Do They Do?
Conveyancing solicitors do a lot more than just paperwork. Here we explain what they do in the process, whether you're a buyer or a seller.
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Conveyancing solicitors do a lot more than just paperwork. Here we explain what they do in the process, whether you're a buyer or a seller.
On reallymoving the average cost of conveyancing services is around £2,037 including fees and disbursements. For a First Time Buyer, the average costs is £1,314*
* Based on data collected February 2024
Only if you are a cash buyer do you not need to hire a conveyancing solicitor when purchasing a property. However, it is not recommended to conduct your own conveyancing, even in this case.
Licensed conveyancing solicitors have an extensive knowledge and will be able to spot things that you might miss that might result in costly mistakes. They will also have negligence insurance if anything does slip through the cracks whereas without this insurance you could be held liable for any errors.
The average time frame for conveyancing is 8-12 weeks. This can depend on factors such as the complexity of the property chain and survey results.
During the conveyancing process your conveyancing solicitor will carry out property searches.
The main searches that are required by mortgage lenders are:
If you are in a coal mining area, then it is also compulsory to get a coal mining search.
If issues are found during these checks, then further searches can be carried out.
You should instruct a conveyancing solicitor as soon as your house offer has been accepted. It can help to research and compare solicitors when you have found a property that you are interested in to get the process started as soon as possible.
The charge will depend on how far along the sale is and if your solicitor offers no sale, no fee. Even if you do have a no sale, no fee solicitor you may still have to pay for any disbursements.
Solicitors do not universally accept service by email as standard practice.
Acceptance of documents served by email is contingent upon explicit consent by the solicitor acting for the defendant, as delineated by the Civil Procedure Rules (CPR).
This means that for service by email to be valid, there must be a clear, written indication from the solicitor that they agree to receive documents in this manner, along with the provision of an appropriate email address for such service.
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