Common conveyancing problems
Buying and selling property should be easy – but that’s rarely the case!
More often than not, the process is fraught with problems. Unaccepted offers, sales falling through, delays with surveys, difficulties with finances…the list goes on.
Keeping the process moving – and your sanity – can be a struggle. Which is why it’s highly recommended to use a conveyancing solicitor.
Taking care of all the legalities of a house sale, a good conveyancer can keep the process moving on your behalf. Ensuring obligations are met, your rights are protected, and that the process is as stress-free as possible.
At GD Property Solicitors, you can count on us for just that. With a reputation for great results based on clear jargon-free advice and expert guidance. Which starts right here, by highlighting some of the most common conveyancing pitfalls we see every day and how you can avoid them.
Conveyancing pitfalls
1. Going it alone
Yes, you can technically deal with conveyancing matters yourself but unless you’re very experienced, it’s not recommended.
Navigating the process is a skilled and time-consuming task, and one that can easily go wrong! Avoid costly delays and headaches by letting the professionals take care of matters for you.
2. Not instructing a solicitor soon enough
If you already know you want to use a conveyancing solicitor, don’t hang about. It’s never too early, and the sooner you instruct them to start working on your behalf, the better.
Ask around for recommendations, read reviews, and make sure they are registered with the SRA (Solicitors Regulation Authority), to guarantee you the best possible service.
3. ID
There are strict rules for proving your identity, which are dictated by the government. Failing to provide the correct ID when requested, can delay proceedings.
Your conveyancing solicitor will advise you, but examples of identification accepted include a current passport, driving license, or council tax bill.
Remember – only original copies are allowed. Photocopies or photographs will be refused.
4. Paperwork problems
There’s no escaping that buying and selling property entails paperwork – lots of paperwork!
Take too long to sign and complete information – or get it wrong – and you can quickly cause problems.
It’s crucial to read everything thoroughly and make sure nothing is missed. Our best advice is to tackle any form-filling as soon as it’s received. That way you’ve plenty of time to read things through properly and ask questions about anything that’s unclear.
5. Planning permission
If you’ve carried out work on the property you’re selling, no matter how long ago, make sure you have all the documentation relating to the alterations readily available. Popular home improvements, such as conservatories and loft conversions, all need to be ‘official’ – so having these documents to hand can save valuable time.
Likewise, if you’re buying a new home, be sure to ask for evidence that all necessary permissions have been obtained for any building work.
6. Title Deeds
Other important documents required are the title deeds.
If these are missing, or the property in question hasn’t been registered with the Land Registry, the deeds must be reconstituted. This takes time, so locate your important documentation now to avoid unnecessary delays.
7. Broken chain
Rarely is the process of buying and selling straightforward. Often there are convoluted chains complicating the process, and one break in the chain can cause a ripple effect for everyone involved.
Whilst there’s little a conveyancer can really do in these circumstances, they can keep you informed of delays and work with you to ensure problems are resolved as quickly as possible.
8. Search setbacks
A key task for conveyancers is to protect your sale or purchase, making sure there are no nasty surprises further down the road.
As part of this, all safety certificates must be checked, and detailed searches carried out. To keep things on track, make sure you have copies of certificates for the gas, electrics, windows etc, kept securely together.
9. Past problems
Unfortunately, your current situation can be dominated by the past. Previous substandard conveyancing can cause problems for you now – unearthing facts capable of collapsing a sale.
The best solution is always to make sure you’re working with a property solicitor you trust implicitly, who is highly experienced and can help to navigate a way around the problems.
10. Money issues
There are two key stages when it comes to purchasing – the deposit and the final transfer for completion. Both steps involve large sums of money, so your finances must be in order. If your conveyancer doesn’t have access to cleared funds, the process will be delayed.
Avoid conveyancing problems with expert help
There’s no point denying that the conveyancing process is complicated – even when armed with warnings of the potential pitfalls. However, using an experienced and trusted solicitor is a great way to help mitigate issues.
At GD Legal, we have a team of professional property solicitors ready to assist with all aspects of your conveyancing. From the moment you instruct us to work on your behalf, you’ll be appointed with your own dedicated conveyancer, who will work tirelessly to make the process as straightforward and stress-free as possible. Why not get an instant quote now? Or, to talk to a member of the team in more detail about how we can help, call us on 0161 710 1786.