FAQ - Conveyancing & Property Legal Expertise
1. What is conveyancing, and why do I need a solicitor?
Conveyancing is the legal process of transferring property ownership from one party to another. A solicitor ensures contracts are legally sound, searches are completed, and funds are transferred securely, protecting buyers and sellers from potential disputes.
2. How long does the conveyancing process take in the UK?
On average, conveyancing takes 8–12 weeks, but factors like mortgage approvals, property chains, and legal searches can affect timelines. Properts ensures efficient handling to minimise delays. As an interesting aside - Jane Propert has closed out files in under a week where required!
3. What fees are involved in buying or selling a property?
Costs include solicitor fees, Stamp Duty, land registry fees, and search costs. Sellers may also pay estate agent fees. Properts provides transparent pricing to help clients budget effectively.
4. What searches are required when buying a house?
Essential searches include:
✅ Local authority searches (planning permissions, roadworks)
✅ Environmental searches (flood risks, contamination)
✅ Water & drainage searches (sewer connections)
✅ Land registry checks (ownership verification)
5. How do I avoid delays in my property transaction?
To speed up conveyancing:
✔️ Ensure mortgage approvals are in place
✔️ Respond to solicitor queries promptly
✔️ Choose an experienced conveyancer like Properts
✔️ Ensure all paperwork is accurate
6. What is the difference between freehold and leasehold properties?
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Freehold: You own the property and land outright.
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Leasehold: You own the property but pay ground rent to a freeholder, with a lease that may need renewal.
7. Can I transfer property ownership without selling?
Yes, through a transfer of equity, which allows you to add or remove names from the property title. Properts can handle the legal process efficiently.
8. What is shared ownership, and how does conveyancing apply?
Shared ownership allows buyers to purchase a percentage of a property while paying rent on the remaining share. Conveyancing ensures legal agreements are correctly structured.
9. How do I remortgage my property, and do I need a solicitor?
Remortgaging involves switching lenders or borrowing more against your property. A solicitor ensures legal checks, mortgage agreements, and land registry updates are completed.
10. What happens on completion day in a property transaction?
Funds are transferred, keys are exchanged, and ownership is officially transferred. Properts ensures a smooth completion process with minimal stress.
11. What legal steps are involved in buying a new-build home?
New-build purchases require extra checks, including:
✔️ Developer contracts
✔️ Planning permissions
✔️ Warranty guarantees
✔️ Mortgage approvals
12. What should I know about Stamp Duty and tax implications?
Stamp Duty applies to properties over £250,000 (or £425,000 for first-time buyers). Properts advises on tax-efficient strategies to minimise costs.
13. What rights do I have in a boundary dispute?
Boundary disputes require land registry checks, legal mediation, and potential court action. Properts helps resolve disputes efficiently.
14. What do I do if my property sale falls through?
If a sale collapses, Properts can:
✔️ Renegotiate terms
✔️ Find alternative buyers
✔️ Ensure legal protections
15. How do lease extensions work, and what legal process is involved?
Leaseholders can extend leases under UK law, often requiring valuation, negotiation, and legal agreements. Properts ensures smooth lease extensions.
16. How does the Help to Buy scheme affect conveyancing?
Help to Buy involves government-backed loans, requiring special legal checks. Properts ensures compliance with scheme regulations.
17. What is the legal process for selling a property with tenants in place?
Selling a tenanted property requires:
✔️ Tenant notifications
✔️ Legal compliance with tenancy agreements
✔️ Transfer of rental contracts
18. How can I legally gift a property to a family member?
Property gifting requires legal transfer documents, tax considerations, and land registry updates. Properts ensures a seamless process.
19. What are my rights if a buyer pulls out after exchanging contracts?
Once contracts are exchanged, buyers must complete the purchase or risk losing their deposit. Properts advises on legal remedies.
20. What happens if a seller misrepresents the property’s condition?
Buyers can seek compensation if a seller fails to disclose defects. Properts provides legal support for misrepresentation claims.