Conveyancing explained

What is conveyancing?

Conveyancing is the legal process of transferring property rights from seller to buyer (for a sale/purchase), or switching a mortgage from one lender to another (for remortgaging).

Buying and selling - why do you need a solicitor?

If you are buying or selling a property, you will need to use a conveyancing solicitor to transfer the property rights. Additionally, most mortgage lenders insist that you use a solicitor.

What does a conveyancing solicitor do?

A conveyancing solicitor acts on behalf of you and your lender to ensure:

• All legal aspects of the property transfer are dealt with properly
• Both you and your lender are informed of any legal issues relating to the property that may affect its value.

Remortgaging- why do you need a solicitor?

If you are remortgaging a property, you are switching your mortgage from your current lender to a new one. The new lender needs to know that your property has no legal issues that may affect its value, and that it meets their lending criteria – this is the role of the conveyancing solicitor.

Want to know more?

Take a look at our guides to the conveyancing process and conveyancing jargon.