Residential Property – FAQ

What is conveyancing?

Conveyancing is the legal process of transferring property ownership from one person to another. The process includes preparing and reviewing legal documents, conducting property searches, handling negotiations, managing the transfer of funds and registering the new ownership at the Land Registry.

A conveyancer is the qualified legal professional who manages this process, ensuring that the transfer is legally binding and that it protects your interests.

How long does conveyancing take?

The conveyancing process in the UK typically takes between 8 and 16 weeks, however, it can be quicker or much longer depending on the circumstances of the matter.

How much does conveyancing cost?

The cost of conveyancing often varies between location, the legal firm and what services you require. For a full breakdown of the cost, contact our solicitors in Doncaster or Sheffield today to make an enquiry.

Why does conveyancing take so long?

Conveyancing often takes longer than buyers or sellers would expect because it’s a complex process involving multiple parties. It requires coordination between solicitors, surveyors, mortgage lenders and others, as well as range of legal checks. Delays can occur at any stage, for example during contract reviews, property inspections or mortgage application processing. Property chains and issues identified in surveys can also extend the timeline further.

What’s the difference between a solicitor and a conveyancer?

A conveyancer typically specialises only in property law, whereas a solicitor may also be trained and qualified in other areas of law, offering comprehensive legal services.

Do I need both a conveyancer and a solicitor to buy a house?

For a lot of property sales, a conveyancer and a solicitor would both be capable of helping you through the buying and selling processes. Having a conveyancer and a solicitor in this case would be redundant as they both would be able to offer the same services when it comes to buying a house.

What can go wrong during conveyancing?

A good residential conveyancing solicitor will do everything they to can to keep the process running smoothly. However, problems can still arise during conveyancing. The common issues are that there may be problems with the property’s title, the property searches may reveal issues, the survey report may identify issues with the property, or the seller does not provide enough information etc.

At Taylor Bracewell, we understand that the conveyancing process can be confusing which is why we provide a comprehensive service to ensure your property purchase is handled as smoothly and as professionally as possible.

Do I need a conveyancer?

Whilst it’s not a legal requirement to use a conveyancer when buying or selling a property, it’s highly recommended. A qualified conveyancer is trained to handle the legal aspects of the transaction, helping to ensure that the process runs smoothly and securely. They can manage complex legal tasks, including reviewing and drafting contracts, conducting necessary searches, and ensuring the transfer of funds is completed correctly.