Conveyancing is the legal process of buying a house. It explains what the buyer must pay and what the seller must give. It also summarises the legal rights and responsibilities of a buyer and a seller. It’s worth knowing that for a house, the conveyancing process is unlikely to be completed in the same week of completion.
The conveyancing process also includes dealing with any issues, such as a dispute over a boundary with your neighbour. Your solicitor will advise you on the best way to resolve the problems like boundary disputes, boundary agreements and ways to avoid conflicts in the future.
But today, we're here to discuss the time it takes to complete the whole process. It's no secret that buying property can be a long, tedious endeavour, but what can you do to speed things up? Read on to learn more!
Here's what you need to know:
Why Do Solicitors Take so Long?
There are a lot of factors that contribute to the overall length of the conveyancing process, but the main contribution to the length of the process comes down to many different things. First of all, the size of the house you are purchasing may result in several issues that need to be handled by your solicitor. For instance, if you purchase a bungalow and make a mistake with your deeds, you could have to go through the whole process again.
Apart from that, the other reason it takes so long is that your solicitor needs to make sure you have the correct instructions and that everything is organised within the correct time frame. Furthermore, if your solicitor needs to ask you to sign a form, have a look over it yourself and give it back to them for review.
What are the Most Common Causes of Delay?
Even a delay of a few hours can be stressful, not just for your solicitor but also for you. That’s why it’s worth knowing why a conveyancing process can get delayed.
First of all, it can be the work of your solicitor. You should ask your solicitor if they can explain the reasons to you and how they will ensure no further delays.
Secondly, it can be the work of your mortgage lender. If you are buying a house with a mortgage, it is understandable that the lender will want to ensure you have enough to cover the mortgage.
Finally, it can be because of the other party. For instance, if the seller of the house you’re buying is super-busy, they may be unable to sign the paperwork. Or, if they are out of the country, you may need to wait until they come back to complete the purchase in person.
What Can You Do to Speed Things Up?
If you are buying a new house, and things are taking a lot longer than you expected, there are a few things you can do to speed up the conveyancing process. For example, you can ask your solicitor to compare the price you are paying with the property's previous sale price.
You can also write down a list of all the things you need to do before moving into your new house, such as your settlement date, moving in date, how long it will take to move, and who you need to inform. This way, you are less likely to forget anything important.
When your solicitor has told you that the sale has been completed, but you haven’t received your keys, you can ask them to arrange a meeting with the seller to check the sale documents and get the keys for you.
Remember, always double-check your documents before signing any contracts. It’s better to be safe than sorry.
Get Organised
Before you get into the conveyancing process, it is worth learning about it. This way, you will know what to expect and how to speed things up.
The first step involves getting all the information you will need. Find out the estimated time the process will take, and make a list of the things you will need to organise, such as your settlement date, moving in date, and how long it will take to move.
Knowing what you have to do will make it far easier to schedule your timetable.
Align with Your Solicitor
Once you have a good idea of what needs doing, you can set up a meeting with your solicitor. This way, you can discuss your plans together, and they can make sure you have a suitable scheme of action.
This is crucial to the success of your conveyancing. Remember, the process can be long, so you and your solicitor must be on the same page. Using a conveyancing checklist can also help with this, as you can mark off the things that you both agree on.
Plot Out Your Schedule
Once you have discussed your conveyancing checklist with your solicitor, you must plot your schedule. Comparing the sale price with the previous sale is crucial to this process, as this will give you an idea of what you should prepare for.
For instance, you should have time to move in before the settlement date. If you are moving in with a pet, you should speak with your solicitor about the paperwork involved.
Another thing worth considering is how soon you can settle and what amount. Ask your solicitor to estimate the likely settlement amounts you will receive. You can work out how much the money you need to get the house ready.
Additionally, it is worth knowing the exact dates when you need to submit the paperwork to your solicitor and the final date of completion. If you know the dates, you are much more likely to be prepared on time.
Ensure Your Paperwork is in Order
A common cause of delay in conveyancing deals is the legal documents. However, your solicitor can work much more quickly and efficiently if your paperwork is in order.
The most important thing is to ensure you have all the documents to hand. It is worth checking with the final seller and ensuring they have everything they need. If any documents are missing, it is worth finding out how to get them.
For instance, if you are moving into your new house, you will need to make copies of your tenancy agreement, your notice to leave, your contract of employment, and so on. Another thing to look out for is that you’re sure what you are signing. It can be easy to make mistakes with the paperwork, which can cause a massive delay.
The Bottom Line
There are several ways to speed up the conveyancing process, but you are the one who makes the most critical decisions. That’s why it’s worth taking the time to do all the right things before you begin.
So always take the time to listen to your solicitor and make sure you have the right paperwork in order. If you follow all these steps, you're sure to be buying your new house before you know it!
If you need to find conveyancing quotes in the UK, we're here to help you. Conveyancing Calculator is an online residential conveyancing calculator. We use our trust and accurate conveyancing fees calculator to ensure you get the best idea of the costs you are facing. Browse through our website for more information.
Trackback URL
The Trackback Address for What to Know to Help You Speed Up the Conveyancing Process is:
