What Is A Conveyancing Solicitor?

If you are buying or selling a property in England or Wales you will employ the services of a conveyancing solicitor or conveyancer to undertake the legal process for you.

The difference between a conveyancer and conveyancing solicitor is

Conveyancing Solicitor

Fully qualified solicitor that specialises in property transactions but is also trained in other areas of law. They might be useful if you have other legal matters that need attention.
Registered with the Law Society and regulated by the SRA (Solicitors Regulation Authority).

Conveyancer

Licensed conveyancers are qualified in property transactions only. They cannot practice other types of law.
Regulated by CLC (Council for Licensed Conveyancers).

For your property purchase or sale it doesn’t matter whether you undertake the services or either a solicitor or conveyancer.

A conveyancer/solicitor is a qualified professional in the legal aspects of moving house, including:

1. Searches

Searches are an essential part of buying a property and most lenders will insist that you have them. Cash purchases can complete without searches but it is a risk and Conveyancing Supermarket always recommend searches are done as part of any property purchase. Common searches include,

• Local search
• Environmental
• Water & Drainage
• Coal (in certain at risk areas)

Searches provide information about the property and highlight any issues it may have and if it’s value could be affected.

2. Checking Title Register & Title Plan

This checks the seller’s ownership of the property and their ability to sell.

3. Mortgage Conditions

Your conveyancer will check through the details of your mortgage offer and ensure the conditions of the mortgage are correct.

4. Leasehold

Checking leasehold and management documents where relevant.

5. Deposit Transfer

Making sure the correct provisions are in place to pay the agreed deposit to the mortgage lender.

6. Exchange and Completion

Your solicitor will exchange contracts, usually over the telephone with the other party’s solicitor. The contracts will be read out and recorded to ensure they are identical.
Completion day is then agreed between the parties.

After completion the solicitor:

1. Pays any Stamp Duty SDLT owed
2. Send your completion documents to you
3. Send a copy of the title deeds to your mortgage lender
4. Notify the freeholder on leasehold properties

Setting a timescale is very difficult because it depends on the details of the transaction, any chains that you may be involved in and how quickly the local authority completes the required searches. A general rule of thumb is to allow a minimum of 8 weeks.

Conveyancing Supermarket make it easy for you to obtain free, instant quote. All of our quotes are like for like and fixed fee.