When looking to buy a property, the conveyancing process, on the face of it, can be daunting; but it’s important to understand.
So, in this article, Residential Conveyancer Joanna Weller has outlined the conveyancing process from beginning to end in simple terms.
She does on to outline how long it takes and the costs involved…
What are the steps in conveyancing?
Below, I’ve outlined the conveyancing process from case creation to completion…
Case Creation
At this stage, you will be asked to complete a questionnaire where you will:
- Confirm your personal details
- Provide identification documents
- And pay money on account for property searches to be carried out
What’s included in a property search?
Searches are used to get information relevant to the property, its title and its use. Generally, the following searches are carried out:
- Local Authority Search
- Water and Drainage Search
- Environmental Search
Searches do not give you information on land/property outside the strict boundaries of the property you seek to buy, i.e. planning permission for construction or change of use for nearby land.
You may wish to spend some time inspecting planning registers of nearby land at the Planning Authority or obtain a specific search to provide further detailed information. Depending on the location of the property, additional searches may also be required.
Residential Conveyancer Joanna Weller said: “Searches help you to get a full picture of the property that you’re buying and are absolutely crucial when buying with a mortgage.”
What is a specialist property search?
A specialist search could include:
- Index Map Search (for unregistered titles)
- Coal Mining Search
- Tin Mining Search
- Brine Search
- Commons Registration Search
- Highway Search
- Chancel Check
- Radon Gas Search
If you believe a specialist search may be appropriate, please let your solicitor know straight away.
For more tailored and detailed advice on this, please get in touch with our bright property team here.
Pre-exchange
The process:
- The draft contract will arrive from the seller’s solicitor
- Landlord information will be requested by the seller’s solicitor for leasehold properties and provided to the buyer’s solicitor
- Any searches will be requested (including specialist searches)
- Any enquiries that are necessary will be raised by your solicitor on your behalf with the seller’s solicitor
- Your mortgage offer (if required) is sent from the lender
- Your solicitor will report to you and send the paperwork for signing
- You must return the signed papers plus cleared deposit funds
In the full article, Joanna outlines the rest of the conveyancing process and answers some frequently asked questions on how long it takes, how much it costs and more. Read it here.