There are a lot of processes involved in buying a house in the UK. Once you’ve completed the house search and had your offer accepted, there is a long list of to-do’s before you can move in.
An important to-do is conveyancing, which refers to the legal paperwork necessary for a house sale to complete successfully.
What is conveyancing?
Conveyancing refers to the legal transfer of property ownership from one person to another. In practice, this includes all of the necessary paperwork to ensure the transfer is conducted correctly. This includes everything from initial surveys right down to exchanging the final contract and moving in.
There are many legal intricacies to conveyancing, and one way to ensure the process is as smooth as possible is to use a concierge conveyancing service.
There are many firms offering this service, and it is typically recommended to choose a firm that is in your area. This is because the legal process of buying a property is different between Scotland, England and Wales, and you will want to partner with a firm that knows the particular system you are buying within.
One major difference between buying property in Scotland rather than England or Wales is that in Scotland, the property owner is responsible for supplying survey reports. This is an important distinction as survey reports are typically a stage in the conveyancing process.
Therefore, it is best to opt for a firm operating within your local area, to best understand all of the legal nuances involved in your purchase.
How much do conveyancing services cost?
Conveyancing costs will vary depending on the type of property you are purchasing. For example, buying a parcel of land will entail a different process from buying a flat or leasehold property. Each type of property requires a different legal process, and for this reason, it is best to consult a professional to understand what is required.
Conveyancing begins after your offer has been accepted, with securing your mortgage. If you are a cash buyer, you’ll move to the next steps of arranging surveys and property searches.
After those are complete, it’s time to finalise the contracts and arrange a completion date.
The cost of the conveyancing process will depend heavily on your circumstances. Some firms such as https://www.samconveyancing.co.uk/ have helpful estimates for the process. With that in mind, the average cost for conveyancing fees is £723 including VAT. However, you may expect to pay more or less depending on how and what you are buying.
It is best to contact a firm directly to get all relevant information, as well as an accurate estimate for your fees.