Whether you’re buying or selling a house, you’ll require the services of a conveyancing solicitor. Over the past few years, the industry has welcomed online conveyancing solicitors as a way to speed up the entire conveyancing process and provide quicker contact between client and solicitor.

But, what is online conveyancing and are online conveyancing solicitors a wiser choice than high-street alternatives? Is the online conveyancing process easier to navigate and what are the conveyancing fees like?

Find out the answers to these questions and more, including the difference between online conveyancing for buying or selling property, in our helpful guide.

What is an online conveyancing solicitor?

An online conveyancing solicitor conducts the legal process of a property sale or purchase without ever meeting you face-to-face. Online conveyancers operate online or over the phone.

You can sign documents and make payments from the comfort of your own home, offering a convenience that in-person conveyancing cannot match.

Also, with most firms – but especially GD Property Solicitors – you can find fixed-fee conveyancing with no hidden costs. This way, you know your exact legal fees from the off. Plus, if the purchase or sale falls through, you won’t have to pay anything.

Online conveyancing process explained

The online conveyancing process differs slightly whether you’re buying or selling property, including the types of searches and certifications – but all conveyancing solicitors can do both.

As the jobs involve key differences, there is likely to be a variance in online conveyancing fees. So, whether you’re buying or selling, it’s a good idea to seek online conveyancing quotes as soon as possible.

What do online conveyancing solicitors do for a house purchase?

If you’re on the buying side of a property transaction, your online conveyancing solicitor will act on your behalf to liaise with the seller’s solicitor and ensure the property is in good condition.

They’ll obtain the contract from the seller’s solicitor and any other documentation. They will examine all paperwork and address potential issues before the exchange of contracts.

If you’re using a mortgage to pay for the property, online conveyancers will review the mortgage lender’s offer to ensure it meets the conditions of the sale.

Property searches are also organised by the solicitor. These include:

Local Authority Searches – checks concerning the Town and Country Planning legislation, financial orders and more.
Water and Drainage Searches – ensures the property has a water supply connection and if there’s a mains drainage. Flood risk searches can also be conducted.
Environmental Searches – checks for contaminated water and ground stability.
Title register at the Land Registry – checked to verify the seller has ownership of the property.

Once all surveys and searches have been conducted, and both parties are satisfied with the agreed terms of the contract, the final stages can be prepared.

Conveyancing solicitors will now ensure finances are sent to the seller’s solicitor and the keys are sent the other way.

In terms of post-completion, online conveyancing solicitors will pay Stamp Duty on your behalf and register you as the homeowner with the HM Land Registry.

What kind of online conveyancing services are involved with a house sale?

When selling a property, it’s wise to appoint a solicitor before accepting an offer, and usually around the same time you acquire the services of estate agents.

They will have to complete several questionnaires about your property, including what’s involved in the sale and information about the property’s deeds.

To make their task as easy as possible, you should provide several documents, including:

Proof of identity
Title deeds
Fittings and contents
Building regulations certificates
Warranties
Energy performance certificate

Your online conveyancer will use this information to create a draft contract which is then sent to the buyer’s solicitor for approval.

If everything is agreed upon, your solicitor will agree on a completion date with the buyer’s side. They’ll then send the title deeds to be signed and the buyer’s deposit will follow.

On the completion date, you will hand your keys to the solicitor who will arrange for them to be handed to the buyer.

Online conveyancing summary

As you can see, the online conveyancing process is thorough and incredibly detailed. Conveyancers on both sides work in tandem to ensure a smooth property transaction.

Their roles in the entire process cannot be understated. While it is true that some people try to do their own conveyancing, it takes a long time and a lot of work to ensure everything is correct. Truly, only highly qualified solicitors can provide the level of service and efficiency required in property transactions. Find out how quickly conveyancing can be completed with the right solicitors.

Find the perfect conveyancing solicitor for you

If you require residential conveyancing services or you’re involved in the purchase or sale of a commercial property, you’ll need the help of highly qualified professionals.

At GD Property Solicitors, we have helped thousands of people buy or sell properties by being the most efficient conveyancer online.

What’s more, our conveyancing costs provide the best possible value for money. We understand that purchasing a property is a huge expense so we’re not here to make things more difficult. With our expert online conveyancing services, you’re not going to break the bank but you will receive the most professional and efficient service available.

Claim a FREE online conveyancing quote from our website and find out how much our services are for a property purchase.For the best online conveyancer money can buy, contact GD Property Solicitors today.

What is the online conveyancing process?