In law terms, conveyancing is the transfer of legal titles of property, from one person to another. Most conveyancing transactions has 2 main phases; the exchange of contracts and the completion (also known as the settlement). A conveyancer will arrange the funds for purchase by way of a mortgage from the bank, building society or other lender. A conveyancer will also be able to help you with a re-mortgage process, should someone wish to take out a different mortgage without moving to raise extra money, or obtain a better deal.
On average it takes up to 10-12 weeks to complete a conveyancing transaction, although some happen quicker, many can possibly take longer. How long it takes is determined by many things;
- Personal factors
- Legal factors
- Financial factors
- And, social factors
During the conveyancing period prior to the contracts exchanging (exchanging when the transaction becomes legally binding) either party may pull out of the sale at any point, and for any reason.
Conveyancing Searches
Throughout the transaction period, a conveyancer will be carrying out searches related to the property. Property searches include;
- To check the risk of flood- river, coastal, or surface water flooding
- Water authority searches- to investigate if there are any public drains on the property that could affect any building works or extensions you decide to have in the future
- To check the ‘title register’ with the land registry, this will confirm ownership and boundary
- Environmental searches- if there is any contaminated land around or at the property, information can be provided. Flood predications can be given in detail too.
When purchasing a property, the local authority searches that are carried out are a vital part to the conveyancing process. Buyers will be given detailed information about matters relating to the property.
What is exchanging of Contracts?
When both parties that are involved in the sale/purchase of the property are at the ready, and you are also happy with everything that you have been informed throughout the process, the next stage is for the contracts to be exchanged, the buyer will then also pay a deposit.
Once the contracts have been exchanged it is legally binding, neither party can now pull out of the transaction, it must complete.
Completion
Once the contracts have been exchanged, a completion date can be agreed. On completion, the purchaser will become the legal owner of the property, and once the seller has received the monies, the purchaser can then move in.
Buying and selling a home can be a stressful time for anyone, when dealing with a legal team who are experienced in what they do, these stresses can turn to excitement. The legal team will help to complete the purchasing/selling of your property as quickly and effectively as possible. Why not get in touch with JWK solicitors, they will;
- Take care of any legal problems
- Arrange moving dates to suit you
- Use their local knowledge to assist you
- You will be given an estimate of costs before the work starts
The conveyancing process can be sped up with our latest computer systems.
Holly Francis
