Conveyancing is the legal process of transferring property ownership from one party to another. It involves managing the legal and administrative tasks necessary to ensure a property sale is valid under law, from the acceptance of an offer to the finalization of the sale.
In the property market, conveyancing is an essential legal service performed by solicitors or specialized conveyancers. The conveyancing process begins once an offer on a property is accepted and concludes when the final contracts are signed and the transaction is completed. It encompasses a series of steps including conducting property searches to check for any issues that might affect the current or future value of the property, negotiating contract terms, managing the exchange of contracts, and the transfer of funds.
The conveyancer's role is to ensure their client's interests are protected throughout the transaction. They will also liaise with mortgage lenders, estate agents, and the other party's conveyancer to gather information, arrange for payment of stamp duty land tax, and register the new owner with the Land Registry. The process can vary in duration based on the complexity of the transaction, the type of property being bought or sold, and the efficiency of all parties involved.
Effective conveyancing is crucial to a smooth property transaction, providing both buyers and sellers with peace of mind that all legal aspects of the transfer of ownership are correctly managed and that their rights are upheld.
Conveyancing is a term that you may have heard before, but you might not be sure what it means. Here are some common questions and answers to help you understand what it means.