Why you need a solicitor to buy a house

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Even if money is no object and you know what you’re looking for, you will need a solicitor to complete the purchase of a house.

This ensures that everything is done above board so that you are the registered owner of the property in the end and have met all your other legal obligations such as land registry, Local Property Tax etc.

Some of the roles that a solicitor will fulfil during a property purchase are:

• Explain terminology. The process of purchasing a property can be very complex, and your Solicitor will help you to understand the process and explain the terminology that is used at every stage.
• Carry out searches. When buying a property, it is essential to establish that the property is free of problems such as compulsory purchase orders or environmental concerns. It is also important to find out if building work is planned in the area, and if the property is at risk of flooding. Our experience allows us to handle this aspect of your purchase, so you know that your property is safe and secure.
• Raise queries. There are many queries that can arise during the process of purchasing a property, from concerns about the utilities that serve the property to ensuring that there are no ongoing problems with neighbours. Your solicitor will ensure that the seller answers all relevant queries, so that your rights are protected, and will feed responses back to you for your consideration.
• Draw up contracts. Exchanging contracts establishes your right to purchase the property for an agreed price, and your solicitor will be responsible for drafting contracts that protect your rights. You will be required to sign these contracts prior to exchange, and the solicitor will usually hold them until all parties are ready to exchange. Your contracts will also specify when your purchase will be completed.
• Complete your purchase. Completion takes place when funds are transferred to the seller of your new property, and you receive the keys. Your solicitor will handle the payment of Stamp Duty Land Tax, and ensure that your purchase is correctly recorded with the Land Registry.

Conveyancing is the legal work involved in buying or selling property. Conveyancing charges can vary between solicitors, so it is worth contacting several solicitors to compare prices. You can use the Law Society’s website to find a solicitor in your area.