Welcome to Your Expert Conveyancing Solicitors

Frequently Asked Questions

• Why do I need a conveyancer?

  Engaging with a conveyancer is essential when dealing with property transactions. They manage all the legal aspects of a sale or purchase. Your conveyancer supports you throughout the process, answering questions and ensuring a smooth, trouble-free transaction.

• What does a conveyancer do?

  A conveyancer manages the legal process of selling or buying a property. The exact nature of the tasks performed to support your transaction depends on whether you are selling or buying or both.

   

  On your sale, the conveyancer will agree the form of contract and transfer deed on your behalf, deal with enquiries raised by the buyer’s conveyancer, dealing with the redemption of your mortgage, and on completion, will ensure that the completion monies are collected from the buyer’s conveyancer and distributed as required.

   

  On your purchase, the conveyancer will agree the form of contract, transfer deed and any other relevant paperwork, they will investigate the title to the property to make sure it is acceptable to you and your mortgage lender and on completion, will ensure that the seller’s conveyancer received the money required so that you can pick up the keys to the property.  Post completion they will deal with formalities at HM Revenue and Customs and Land Registry.

• What is a legal title deed?

  Title deeds are important legal documents that show the chain of ownership for land and property. They are the primary evidence of a property owner’s rights over their property.  Most titles to properties are electronically registered at Land Registry so can often be downloaded within minutes.

• What do searches involve?

  Property searches are a crucial part of the purchase conveyancing process. They involve your conveyancer collaborating with local authorities and other agencies to gather more information about the property you’re about to purchase. For instance, they will offer information about access rights, flood risks, and other potential issues that could impact your ownership.

• What are enquiries?

  Enquiries are questions raised by the conveyancer acting for the buyer during a property transaction. These enquiries help clarify any potential legal issues that may affect the property, ensuring all aspects are understood before proceeding.

• What is the exchange and completion?

  The exchange of contracts is a pivotal point in the property transaction process where the buyer and seller are legally committed to the sale of the property and a completion date is fixed. Following this, the completion phase occurs, where the remaining money is transferred, and the buyer receives the keys to their new home on the pre agreed completion date.

• Do you need a conveyancer or a solicitor?

  Yes, hiring a conveyancer or a solicitor for your property transaction is strongly recommended. They ensure that all legal aspects are handled accurately, and will help you understand any associated costs or risks, providing you with peace of mind during what can be a complex process.

   

  You conveyancer may hold a recognised qualification such as a solicitor, licensed conveyancer or legal executive but not every conveyancer holds such a qualification.

• What is the average cost of a conveyancing solicitor?

  The cost of a conveyancing solicitor can vary depending on the complexity of the transaction. At Woodfines, we provide a clear, upfront breakdown of all costs associated with your property transaction, ensuring no hidden surprises.