Making a conveyancing process more effective

Buying or selling a property is not something that we do very often. Whether it’s your first or last time, or you’ve bought or sold a property multiple times, it can be a stressful process.

The conveyancing process is generally straight forward and takes around 6-8 weeks. Each conveyancing transaction is different and there are a number of factors which can affect the process such as:

The type of property

If the property is leasehold, for example a flat or a retirement property, the process can take longer as there are often other parties involved, such as landlords or managing agents, who may have requirements on the sale or purchase. 

Obtaining a mortgage

Mortgage offers can sometimes take a little while to come through and may have specific conditions included, which have to be complied with.

Renting property

If you are not going to be living in the property and obtaining a mortgage, lenders may have requirements in respect of the tenancy or certain conditions that need to be complied with. 

Tenant in situ

Additional documentation will be required such as documents confirming that you have complied with your legal obligations as a landlord - Tenancy Deposit Certificates, Gas Safety Certificates and copies of the tenancy agreement.

Help to Buy or Help to Buy ISA 

There is a formal procedure that has to be followed, with Help to Buy being involved at various stages of the transaction.

Buying retirement property

There may be formalities that have to be complied with, such as providing evidence of age or being approved by the managers of the retirement property.

Missing documentation

Keeping copies of important documents such as planning permissions or Building Regulation Certificates, and having them ready for selling your property, is important and can speed up the process. More often than not, duplicates of most documents can be obtained. It is important to remember that any documents that are given to you when you purchase a property are kept in a safe place, as you may need them when you come to sell the property in the future.

Unregistered properties

Most properties are now registered at the Land Registry, but some still remain unregistered. When selling an unregistered property, it is important to provide all deeds and documents you have.

Although these factors can impact the process, the most important advice we can give is to “be prepared”. By having your documentation in order and discussing your sale and/or purchase with a specialist property solicitor at the beginning of the transaction, they can guide you through the process more effectively.

If you would like to discuss this matter further or have any questions please do not hesitate to contact me on 01206 217 368 or alternatively you can email me at [email protected]