Conveyancing solicitors help ensure that the process of buying and selling property is lawful. In theory, this process is straightforward. But there’s another side of conveyancing that many people, especially first-time buyers, may not fully appreciate.

This other side deals with the problems that crop up during selling and buying, particularly when a property is leasehold. A good solicitor is vital if you want to resolve these problems and keep a sale or purchase on track.

Basics -

Conveyancing solicitors arrange for:

• Your HIP (Home Information Pack)

• The local authority searches on a property you want to buy

• The inventory list from a property seller

• The details of your contracts for sale and purchase

A solicitor also acts as a financial go-between. A solicitor can hold money for a deposit, and can transfer the final sum for payment.

Reality -

In reality, matters rarely go to plan. If they did, a solicitor could deal with the details of sale and purchase in days rather than weeks. Unexpected problems are common. But this is when experienced conveyancing solicitors can be worth every penny you pay them.

Legal title -

Some of these problems relate to the legal title of a property. When you want to buy a new home, a solicitor must investigate its history. You can then be sure the owner really does have a right to sell it.

This issue is not always as easy as it may seem. Two common problems are probate and divorce disputes.

Leasehold -

There are also potential difficulties with leasehold properties. When you buy a leasehold home you don’t own it outright. You buy a lease on the property for a certain number of years.

Such leases, especially on older homes, can be complex. A solicitor may have to spend time working out what a lease actually means.

One common example of a lease problem is maintenance. A leasehold property is often a flat with communal areas. These areas may be a shared hallway, shared gardens and a shared structure such as a roof. All these need regular maintenance, and the leaseholders have to pay for it. What you pay and when can be an issue.

Explanation -

A solicitor checks and explains these and similar matters. You then know exactly what to expect when you buy a property, and you don’t receive any financial shocks later on. Good conveyancing solicitors are therefore indispensable.