What a Licensed Conveyancer Really Does (and Why It Matters)

Whether you’re buying or selling a property, you may feel like you’re trapped in a whirlwind of paperwork, legal jargon, and unexpected fees. From estate agents to solicitors and conveyancers to surveyors, your e-mail inbox will never be empty!

But what exactly is a licensed conveyancer, and what do they do?

What is a licensed conveyancer?

A licensed conveyancer is a legal professional who specialises in property law and transactions. Since they’re focused exclusively on property, they’re highly knowledgeable and extremely efficient specialists.

Whether it’s your first time buying a property or you’re already on the ladder, navigating the maze of legal bureaucracy can be confusing. A licensed conveyancer will guide you through the legal steps involved in transferring property ownership.

What does a licensed conveyancer do?

Licensed conveyancers handle a wide range of responsibilities, including:

1)     Conducting property searches: Ordering and reviewing local authority checks, environmental risks, water and drainage information, and more. These searches can reveal potential issues like flood risks, planning restrictions, or any other concerns that may affect your property purchase/sale.

2)     Reviewing and preparing legal documents: Conveyancers examine the sale contract, title deeds, and leasehold agreements to ensure everything is in order and identify potential legal complications.

3)     Managing financial transactions: They liaise with mortgage lenders/brokers, calculate stamp duty, and ensure all funds are transferred securely. They also handle the exchange and completion of contracts.

4)     Communications: Conveyancers often act as a main point of contact between buyers, sellers, estate agents, mortgage providers, and any other legal professionals or individuals involved in the property exchange process. This coordination is essential for keeping everything on track and getting the transfer completed in a timely manner.

5)     Registering ownership: Once the sale is completed, the conveyancer will register the new ownership with the HM Land Registry and ensure all remaining documentation is finalised.

Overall, conveyancers are primarily there to do two things: advise you and ensure all of the complicated legal documents are fit for purpose.

From the initial checks to the final contract exchange and registration, conveyancers are by your side from start to finish to help make the property exchange as smooth as possible.

Do I really need a licensed conveyancer?

Buying or selling a house can be expensive, especially if it’s your first time. You may find yourself feeling ambushed by all of the unexpected costs, from moving lorries to legal fees. It can be tempting to try and do things yourself or seek out cheaper alternatives where you can to ease the strain on your wallet.

However, property exchange is a complex legal process, and attempting to handle it without proper training can result in costly mistakes, delays, and even cause the property sale/purchase to fall through.

Not only do conveyancers ensure all legal requirements are met, but they are also dedicated to protecting your interests every step of the way. They also ensure that everything goes smoothly by maintaining communication between all parties involved.

To put it bluntly, the cost of hiring a conveyancer is far outweighed by the benefits — and peace of mind — they offer.

If you’d like to read more about the importance of hiring a licensed conveyancer to supervise your property exchange, check out our blog: Why You Need Experienced Property Conveyancing Lawyers.

What's the difference between a solicitor and a conveyancer?

While both can legally handle property transactions, there are some differences between solicitors and conveyancers:

-       Specialised: Licensed conveyancers specialise in property law, whereas solicitors may deal with a range of legal issues and act as property solicitors.

-       Qualifications: Solicitors are fully qualified legal professionals who can practice in multiple areas of law, whereas conveyancers are specialists trained specifically in property law. Although they’re not solicitors, they are regulated by the Council for Licensed Conveyancers (CLC).

-       Efficiency: Because conveyancers focus solely on property exchanges, they can generally offer a more efficient service.

What are the benefits of using a conveyancer over a solicitor?

As mentioned above, conveyancers specialise in property transactions, meaning they are typically highly knowledgeable on the subject and are experienced in the process of property exchange. It’s likely that a conveyancer will have significantly more practical experience when it comes to supervising property exchanges and working with estate agents and mortgage lenders, allowing them to offer more practical advice.

Conveyancers typically have fixed-fee structures, so you know what you can expect to pay for their services upfront, whereas solicitors tend to charge by the hour. While some solicitors have started to offer fixed-fee conveyancing service packages in an attempt to stay competitive with conveyancers, you will generally get better value for your money with a licensed conveyancer.

Can a licensed conveyancer certify documents?

Yes, but with restrictions – a licensed conveyancer is authorised to verify documents related to property transactions, but they do not have the same certifying powers as a solicitor or notary.

Some examples of documents that a conveyancer can certify include:

-       Identification documents for anti-money laundering checks

-       Copies of deeds

-       Copies of contracts

-       Property forms

-       Land Registry documents

If you need a document certified for use outside of property law, you’ll need to go to a solicitor or a notary.

Is a conveyancer the same as a surveyor?

When it comes to property sales and purchases, the terms ‘conveyancer’ and ‘surveyor’ are often used synonymously, but they’re not the same thing.

Where a conveyancer handles the legal side of buying or selling property, a surveyor is responsible for assessing the physical condition of a property and providing a report to help buyers understand any potential issues, such as structural damage, damp, or issues with the electrics or plumbing.

 

How to choose the right licensed conveyancers for your needs

When selecting a conveyancer for your property exchange, there are a few different factors you should keep in mind, including:

-       CLC Registration: Ensure they are properly licensed and regulated

-       Transparency: They should offer clear, upfront pricing with no hidden fees

-       Reviews: Check their reviews and feedback from previous clients 

Trust in Andrew Lee & Co Property Lawyers for specialist conveyancing services

Here at Andrew Lee & Co Property Lawyers, we’ve been helping clients with all of their conveyancing needs since 1996.

Providing both commercial conveyancing and residential conveyancing across England and Wales, we are dedicated to making the property exchange process as simple and stress-free as possible.

Our team of experienced professionals handles all legal documentation and communication with efficiency and care. With our thorough knowledge of property law and commitment to providing our clients with outstanding service, we’re here to make your property exchange as smooth as possible.

If you require property advice, want to discuss your conveyancing needs, or would like to get a quote, reach out and contact us today — our team will be happy to help in any way we can.