Whether you’re buying your first home, selling a property, or remortgaging, conveyancing is a key part of the process. It can feel overwhelming, especially if you’re unsure what a conveyancer does. But with the right legal support, it doesn’t have to be complicated.
At Clapham & Collinge, we understand just how important these life milestones are, and we’re here to make them as smooth and stress-free as possible. In this article, we’ve gone over what conveyancing is and when you might need it.
What is conveyancing?
Conveyancing is the legal process of transferring property ownership from one person to another. While that may sound simple, the process includes several steps to make sure everything is legal, secure, and in line with current property laws.
At Clapham & Collinge, our conveyancing service covers every stage of the process. We’ve broken down some of the steps here to show you what goes on behind the scenes.
1. Initial Instructions and Checks
Once instructed, we’ll begin by gathering all relevant details about the property and your circumstances. In all cases, we must carry out checks on your ID, funding and other such items before we can start working on your file. For sellers, this requires you to supply us with your title deeds and other documents that you hold relating to the property. You will be asked to complete the necessary forms such as the Property Information form, Fittings & Contents form, Leasehold Information form etc. The earlier you can complete these forms will hopefully speed up the process. For buyers, we must receive evidence of any mortgage offer and a contract pack before we start working on your file.
2. Searches
A key part of the process is carrying out searches on the property. These include:
- Local authority searches to uncover planning permissions, building regulations and other such matters. They will not reveal matters relating to nearby developments and a specific search will be required for this.
- Environmental searches to identify risks such as flooding or contamination.
- Water and drainage searches to confirm whether the property is connected to local water and sewage networks and whether the supply is metered.
- Searches that may reveal more localised factors such as mining etc
These pre-exchange searches help to reveal any hidden issues that could impact the property or your future ownership.
We will also carry out searches prior to the completion of your property to ensure that there is nothing in the title to the property to stop you from buying it.
3. Reviewing and Drafting Contracts
For property purchases, we will carefully review the draft contract provided by the seller’s solicitor, raising any issues in the contract and making sure your legal interests are protected. If you’re selling, we’ll prepare the contract pack and respond to the buyer’s solicitor’s enquiries on your behalf. We will need to involve you in both processes.
4. Mortgage Support and Liaison
If you’re using a mortgage to buy the property, we’ll act on behalf of both you and your lender. This means reviewing your mortgage offer, ensuring all conditions are met, and coordinating the release of funds in time for completion. We may also need to disclose issues to the Lender that have arisen during our investigations but will discuss this with you before we do so.
5. Reporting to you
During your transaction, we will report to you on matters that have arisen as and when appropriate. We will ask you to sign any necessary documentation because of the reports.
6. Exchange of Contracts
Once both sides are happy and all conditions are met, we’ll handle the exchange of contracts. At this point, the agreement becomes legally binding, and a completion date is set.
7. Completion and Post-Completion Work
On completion day, funds are transferred, and the keys are released to the buyer (usually by the estate agent). We take care of the legal paperwork, including transferring funds to the seller and paying any Stamp Duty Land Tax (SDLT) for you. Finally, we register the change of ownership with HM Land Registry and send you a copy of the updated title deed when it is available, which can take several months at present.
When do you need a conveyancer?
You will need a conveyancer if you are:
- Buying or selling a home
- Remortgaging
- Transferring ownership
- Purchasing a buy-to-let
- Selling or purchasing a leasehold property
- Declaring a trust
- Going ahead with an affordable home ownership scheme
- Buying a new build property
- Using a right to buy scheme
- Buying, selling, or managing a commonhold property
You’ll need a trusted conveyancer to manage the legal process. Having the right professional support in place is crucial, not only to ensure that your transaction is completed correctly and efficiently, but also to protect your financial and legal interests.
At Clapham & Collinge, we’ve seen first-hand how important it is to have confidence in the professionals handling your case. We know these are big decisions, and our role is to give you peace of mind.
Why choose Clapham & Collinge for your conveyancing needs?
We’re proud to offer a personal, responsive, and highly experienced conveyancing service to individuals across Norfolk and beyond. With over 70 years of experience across the legal sector, we’ve built a reputation for outstanding client care and exceptional attention to detail.
Our conveyancing team is made up of dedicated legal specialists who are experts in their field. Whether you’re navigating a straightforward house sale or a more complex transaction, we tailor our service to suit your unique circumstances and priorities.
What sets us apart?
Local Knowledge:
With offices in Norwich, North Walsham, and Sheringham, our team has in-depth knowledge of the local property market and strong relationships with estate agents, surveyors, and mortgage brokers across Norfolk.
Clear communication:
We’ll keep you informed at every step, no jargon, no confusion, just clear and timely updates.
Fixed fees available:
We offer transparent pricing, including fixed fees for many of our conveyancing services, so you know exactly what to expect.
Client-focused:
We’re here to help with more than just paperwork. We understand how emotional and significant these decisions are, and we’ll treat your transaction with the care it deserves.
Ready to get started?
Whether you’re buying your dream home, selling up, or remortgaging, our conveyancers are here to guide you through the legal process. Our approachable and experienced team is on hand to make sure everything runs smoothly from start to finish.
Get in touch with our conveyancing specialists today to find out how we can help.
Norwich
Tel: 01603 693500
Sheringham
Tel: 01263 823398
North Walsham
Tel: 01692 660230