There are a whole host of processes included in a residential conveyancing service and invariably, it will take time. However, by choosing to work with an experienced firm of solicitors who are dedicated to delivering the highest level of customer service, it is possible to move the process along swiftly.
Receipt of draft contract – seen by many as the starting point of the conveyancing process, the contract should set out the terms of the sale process and include details of the property as well as items which are to be included in the sale.
Preliminary enquiry – whilst waiting for the draft contract, a solicitor will send a list of enquiries to the seller’s solicitor to reveal fundamental information about the property and the sale.
Property information form – although not included in every conveyancing case, you may be sent this form by your solicitor which includes a summary of the items included in the contract, such as boundaries, fixtures and fittings etc.
Land charge & registry searches – this involves obtaining the title deed for the property and the Land Registry certificate, as well as checking the seller actually has the right to sell and whether any covenants are attached to the land or property.
Local searches – conducted to establish whether any new developments are planned in the area and to check there are no underlying problems with the local infrastructure.
Approving the draft contract – once both parties are happy with its terms, the draft contract is approved and sent for both parties to sign.
Formal mortgage offer – this should be received before the sale of the property progresses any further.
Arranging completion – can be a complicated process if both buyer and seller are involved in a long chain, otherwise simultaneous exchange and completion is often the preferred method wherever possible.
Speeding up the residential conveyancing process
Everyone wants to keep their costs down when moving home, but with so many potential pitfalls, it is often worth spending a little more for the services of an experienced and dedicated firm. Solicitors or specialist conveyancing firms which charge lower rates often take on a large volume of cases at any one time, which is why the process can take longer than homebuyers and sellers would like.
by Tristan Lewis
