Why Do I Need A Solicitor?
A conveyancing solicitor does much more than simply transfer the ownership of a property from one person to another. The process is a complicated one and our specialist knowledge and years of experience ensures that we have the skills to support you throughout your transaction.
In order to secure a mortgage offer, the lender will usually insist that you have a solicitor acting on your behalf to complete legal paperwork, draft your contract, conduct local council and Land Registry searches on your behalf, oversee the exchange of money and help you pay Stamp Duty. Your solicitor will also be on hand to assist you with any issues that may arise, such as recognising legal defects in the title of the property you are purchasing.
Choosing a solicitor prior to putting in an offer on your property comes highly recommended, as they can help to speed up the process from day one.
If you are purchasing a property, one essential job your conveyancing solicitor will complete on your behalf is conducting a number of searches. Your lender will insist these are carried out prior to making you a mortgage offer.
Local authority searches
These searches are completed to check if there are any issues with the property, such as building control issues, enforcement actions or nearby road schemes. Your solicitor will liaise with the Land Registry, local council and the seller to confirm the property’s status, land boundaries and planning permissions.
Drainage search
The drainage search ensures the property is connected to sewers.
Environmental search
An environmental search is completed to confirm the land is not contaminated