What Does a Conveyancer Check?
Buying or selling property can be a complex process, filled with legal documents and intricate paperwork. A conveyancer can make the process easier to understand and deal with. They have several key responsibilities involving legal and administrative tasks.
Having a conveyancer by your side is extremely beneficial, as buying a home is one of the biggest financial commitments. If it's your first time working with a conveyancer, you might not understand what their job role entails. To learn more about the role of a conveyancer and what they check, continue reading.
What Does a Conveyancer Do?
A conveyancer is responsible for the legal side of buying and selling property. They are licensed professionals who specialise in property law. Their primary role involves acting on behalf of either the buyer or seller of a property and overseeing aspects of property transactions while handling the legal process.
Conveyancers ensure that all legal requirements are met, contracts are drafted correctly, and the interests of their clients are protected. Let’s take a look at the key responsibilities of a conveyancer and what they check.
Title Checks
A key task for a conveyancer includes checking the title deeds of a property. This process involves investigating the legal ownership of the property while ensuring there's no outstanding mortgage. Conveyancers also verify that the seller of the property has the legal right to sell it.
Complete Property Searches
Conveyancers conduct various property searches to uncover potential issues affecting the property or its value. Also known as conveyancing searches, they typically include local authority searches, water and drainage searches, and environmental searches.
This stage is important for conveyancers and must be completed to ensure the value of the property won't be affected at any stage. For more information, we’ll be discussing property searches in greater detail later on in the blog.
Check Land Registry Records
Additionally, conveyancers will check Land Registry records to confirm the ownership of the property while identifying any legal charges or restrictions that could affect the property.
Checking Land Registry records is also important to determine whether the seller has the legal right to sell the property and if the buyer acquires ownership rights.
Reviews Contracts
Conveyancers review the sale contract and any other legal documents related to the transaction. They do this to ensure they have accurately reflected the correct terms agreed upon by both the buyer and seller. Conveyancers will also advise their clients on any legal implications or risks that are associated with the contract.
Handles Finances
Conveyancers are there to manage the financial aspects of property transactions. They deal with transferring funds between the other parties while paying Stamp Duty Land Tax (SDLT) on your behalf. A conveyancer ensures all financial obligations are met following the terms of the contract.
What Searches Does a Conveyancer Complete?
As mentioned, conveyancers will conduct detailed property searches on your behalf. They’re there to make your life easier while you buy or sell a property. Let’s find out more about the searches completed by a conveyancer.
1 - Local Authority Searches
While completing a property transaction, conveyancers liaise with local authorities to find out about various aspects of the property and its surrounding area. A local authority search reveals planning permission and building regulations. Local searches also disclose details regarding proposed developments or road schemes in your neighbourhood.
2 - Environmental Searches
Environmental searches identify potential contamination or environmental hazards on or near the property, such as landfill sites or pollution risks. Additionally, conveyancers can complete a mining search if you're buying or selling a home in an affected area.
3 - Water and Drainage Searches
A water and drainage search is completed via a local water company. They’ll confirm the property's connection to the main water supply and sewage system, as well as any drainage responsibilities. Your trusted conveyancer will submit the search application to the local water company for you. This process determines if your home is prone to flood risk.
Can You Complete Your Own Conveyancing?
Yes, you can complete your own conveyancing, but it’s certainly not advised. In some cases, it's acceptable to carry out the conveyancing process yourself if a mortgage isn't involved. But regardless, it’s most beneficial to work with a conveyancer. The majority of mortgage lenders will encourage you to hire a conveyancer, especially if they’re dealing with first-time buyers.
Key Takeaways
- A conveyancer checks that everything on the legal side of a property transfer is managed correctly
- A licensed conveyancing solicitor should complete the conveyancing process
- Conveyancers are beneficial to work with
Do You Need a Conveyancing Solicitor?
At Bell Lamb & Joynson, we have a team of trusted conveyancing solicitors here to help you. We maintain clear communication with both your mortgage broker and estate agent, providing dedicated and award-winning services that are second to none.
Rest assured, we’re experienced in all areas of conveyancing and specialise in residential transactions, including property sales and purchases, remortgages, and property transfers across England and Wales. Whether you're a first-time buyer or looking to move from your current home, we can provide you with all the information you need.
We use the latest conveyancing technology, including instant updates and case tracking through our handy mobile app. We pride ourselves on our communication and have no issue speaking with other solicitors. Allow us to guide you through the process and reduce any stress.
If you'd like to find out more about our conveyancing services, please don't hesitate to contact us today. For an instant conveyancing quote, click here. We look forward to hearing from you soon!