The Role of a Conveyancer When Buying Your Home
Ian Edwards • April 12, 2021
Buying your home can be an exciting time for you and everyone involved. However, once you’ve agreed on a price for a property, there’s a lot of different legal processes and documents that need to be carried out before you can move.
A conveyancer is hugely important to any property transaction. Not only are they often required by banks and estate agents, but they can also make the complicated process much more streamlined, allowing you to relax and plan for life in your new home.
What is a Conveyancer?
Conveyancing is the legal transfer of property from one person to another. A conveyancer is someone qualified to deal with the various processes and documents involved in any property transfer.
As anyone that has brought or sold property will attest, there are many different hoops you must jump through before the transaction is complete. A conveyancer will offer much-needed support and expertise to ensure the transaction goes through as smoothly as possible.
The Difference Between a Conveyancer and a Solicitor
Some estate agents will ask you to find a solicitor to represent you, while others may recommend a conveyancer. For the buyer or seller of the property, both of these roles are similar.
A conveyancer is a specialist who is a trained and qualified in handling all aspects of property law. A solicitor is someone trained to represent you in various legal matters, including property transactions.In practice, there is no difference in service regarding property transactions between a conveyancer and solicitor, so choose whichever fits your needs best. You do not need both a solicitor and a conveyancer to buy and sell property – you will only need one.
Do I Need a Conveyancer to Buy a Home?
In short, yes.
Due to the legal complexity of property transactions, other stakeholders in the transaction (such as estate agents and mortgage providers) will often require you to employ a legal representative for the process. This representative can be a conveyancing solicitor or a specialist conveyancer.
What Does a Conveyancer Do When Buying A Home?
The conveyancer will handle most legal documents and monetary transfers involved in property transactions on your behalf. These include:
· Property searches
· Legal transfer of ownership
· Stamp Duty Land Tax
· Monetary transfers, including mortgages
· Deduction and investigation of the legal title and raising enquiries on your behalf
You will still be required to provide the necessary funds, such as deposit and legal fees. You will also need to sign documents when needed. Therefore, it’s essential to choose a representative that you feel you can trust.
Other Times You Will Need a Conveyancer
For almost all property matters concerning the transfer of ownership or capital (such as mortgages), you will require a conveyancer. These include:
· Buying or selling property
· Buy to let purchases
· Shared ownership property purchases
· Re-mortgaging
· Transfer of equity
Often, the party you are working with during the property transaction (estate agent, bank) will ask you to obtain the services of a conveyancer before the transaction can progress.
If you are uncertain whether you will require a conveyancer or solicitor for your matter, please contact us.
At Farnham Conveyancing, we specialise in property conveyancing services and are committed to offering a personable, professional and timely experience. Whether you’re buying your first home, re-mortgaging or transferring property ownership, our approach remains the same.
If you want to learn more about how we can help you, email our team at iedwards@farnhamconveyancing.com
or call us on (+44) 01252 978290.
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