Home conveyancers provide legal work related to buying or selling property. They will draw up contracts of sale, conduct local searches and help arrange the most beneficial settlement date for both parties involved.

Home conveyancers can help protect you against being Gazumped when purchasing a property. They perform numerous searches to ensure it is free from liens or easements, making your purchase decision much safer.

Buying a property

As soon as you find a property to purchase, you must instruct a home conveyancer as quickly as possible to avoid unnecessary delays and reduce your chances of being gazumped. Your conveyancer will send a Letter of Engagement/Client Care Letter which details their fees and terms of business – it is vitally important that you read this document thoroughly and ask any pertinent questions if any aspect is unclear to you. For details, see more here.

Once your solicitor/licensed conveyancer receives the contract pack from the seller’s estate agent, they will arrange a date for the exchange of contracts and purchase completion – usually two weeks from when receiving. Your legal representative will also review and analyse the contract thoroughly to identify any specific queries they may have about it.

On completion day, your solicitor/licensed conveyancer will pay Stamp Duty Land Tax on your behalf and issue you official documents demonstrating ownership (title deeds). They’ll also notify your mortgage lender and freeholder as necessary, providing a breakdown of all monies payable, including deposits and search fees, stamp duty and Land Registry fees – to be paid via bank transfer to fully cover all of these transaction costs.

Selling a property

Selling a property can be complex and time-sensitive, with many obligations that must be fulfilled within specific timelines. A home conveyancer Adelaide specialises in this field and can manage the transfer by preparing legal documents with the Land Registry, paying Stamp Duty Land Tax on your behalf, and sending your mortgage lender the remaining sale amount.

Your conveyancer will begin by opening your purchase file. They will collect basic information such as your address, contact details, mortgage provider and estate agent details before conducting environmental and drainage searches to ensure the property and surrounding area suit your needs.

Buying a leasehold property

Purchase of a leasehold property involves renting it for an agreed-upon time frame, unlike with freehold properties where ownership of the building is solely held by its owner. Therefore, when buying leasehold properties, it is wise to hire a conveyancing solicitor (conveyancer), as this person can assist in this process and inspect the results of local searches and property surveys to help negotiate the best price for your new home.

A conveyancer will review the contract of sale, which details all factors and responsibilities related to purchasing the property, such as rent payments and service charges, landlord information, management company details and contact details. This information must be checked before buying, as it can profoundly affect future finances.

Leasehold conveyancing processes take longer than freehold ones due to multiple parties involved and documents to sign. Your conveyancer may also have to wait for your landlord or management company’s responses to any inquiries they make. Your conveyancer should keep you updated as the process unfolds to keep you relaxed and focused on the task.

Buying a freehold property

Home conveyancers provide invaluable assistance during the purchase of freehold properties. They will conduct all the usual checks, such as Land Registry searches and local authority searches; obtain seller draft contracts; obtain copies of Title Deeds for the property; as well as identify planned communal improvements that require your contribution and check if any contributions from third-party owners may be needed for these improvements.

Customers will also need to determine whether the current leaseholder owes ground rent or service charges; these payments could add up quickly for newer properties with short leases, which may explain why many buyers remain cautious of purchasing leasehold properties built within the last 20 years. For details, see more here.