What’s the difference between a solicitor and a conveyancer?
A solicitor is a legal professional with training in different branches of the law and may be qualified to provide a number of legal services across a variety of legal fields. Solicitors are required to practise as members of The Law Society in the UK.
A conveyancer is a specialist in the legal aspects of property sales and purchases. Typically, a conveyancer can be less expensive than a solicitor, and many large law firms hire conveyancers to offer property services on their behalf.
Should I choose a solicitor or a conveyancer?
Choosing between a dedicated conveyancer and solicitor for your conveyancing is a matter of personal choice, although it is fair to say that many people in the UK are happy to instruct conveyancers to handle their property sales and purchases.
As one of the most important, and potentially stressful, decisions in life, it is vital that you are comfortable with your legal representation. The decision may simply come down to choosing a legal service provider that you trust and feel comfortable working with.
The role of your solicitor/conveyancer
During the house-buying process, your legal representative is there to explain the steps involved in buying a property, deal with the necessary legal work, and decode any confusing legal jargon along the way.
It is your legal service provider’s responsibility to advise you on contract details, deeds, searches, and timeframes. They will be expected to draft and examine contracts and other legal documents, raising any queries or concerns along the way. As your legal representative, they will also negotiate with the other party’s solicitor over any sticking points.
Legal tasks explained
1) Searches
Property searches are carried out to find more detailed information about the property that may not be obvious during a viewing or building survey. These searches look for issues such as council planning enforcement or any planning permissions your new neighbours might have pending. Searches also cover details relating to mains water and drainage systems, whether the property is at risk of flooding, and other environmental factors that could affect your home ownership.
2) Legal contracts
Your legal representative will analyse the contract from the seller’s solicitor to check everything is in order. They will look at matters such as the arrangement of deposit transfer, proposed dates for contract exchange and completion, and whether all agreed fittings and fixtures have been included.
3) Completion
This is the day all money is transferred and you receive the keys to your new home. It is not unusual for things to go wrong on completion day. For example, if the money has not been transferred by 3 pm, completion may have to wait until the next working day. If you or the other party are in a chain of buyers and a deal falls through, this can also slow down the process. Your representative should be able to discuss this with you and prepare you for any possible problems that may arise.
It can often be difficult to choose the right legal representative to help you buy a house. The Law Superstore makes it easier to find trusted, professional legal services, guiding, matching, and connecting you with the right solicitor for your needs. Start comparing now.