11th March 2024
When it comes to conveyancing, there are a lot of common misconceptions that people have about the process. Julie Brammer, Senior Conveyancer at Myers & Co, shares some insight into conveyancing myths.
A local conveyancer may be more convenient but is not always necessary! Many firms can deal with transactions across the country as long as enough information is provided by the client. Communication between clients and conveyancers can be done by telephone, email and video call.
A house survey is an important part of the conveyancing process and is carried out by a chartered surveyor. This is not organised by the conveyancer, you would need to find your own surveyor, ideally registered with the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS). Your conveyancing solicitor will carry out property searches to check the legal aspects of the property, while the surveyor will conduct a survey on the property to make sure it is structurally sound.
Many people think that the conveyancing process is quick and can be completed within a 6-week timeframe. The reality is that it’s far more likely to take between 8-12 weeks, and can be longer depending on the complexity of the purchase. During that time, the conveyancer will handle checking the title, obtaining searches and raising any necessary enquiries to make sure legal requirements are met. Trying to rush this process can lead to errors that could have a serious impact on any future sale.
Some people believe that conveyancing is an easy process that can be handled without needing to involve a conveyancer. Whilst you might be able to try carrying out your own conveyancing, it is certainly not advisable! There are a lot of legal procedures involved and even a small mistake or omission can have serious consequences.
The contract is only one of several documents that you’ll have to sign in the conveyancing process. Signing the contract doesn’t mean you’ve completed; your conveyancer will ask you to sign this in readiness for exchanging contracts to be able to arrange a completion date. Completion only takes place once contracts have been exchanged and the completion date has been met.
Based in Stoke-on-Trent, Staffordshire, our specialist residential property solicitors provide conveyancing services throughout Staffordshire and Cheshire. To find out more, you can contact us on 01782 577000 or you can get in touch via Residential property.
