Conveyancing ‘is more complicated than many people think’

Posted 31/08/2010

Anyone buying or selling a property should not underestimate the importance of the conveyancing process.

Property expert Lanice Steward told RealEstateWeb many people think they will not need a qualified solicitor for this part as it is simple and can be done by other parties, but they are likely to be mistaken.

“Conveyancing is a great deal more complicated than it looks and those who do not handle property transactions are inclined to ‘forget’ certain essential actions,” she commented.

Ms Steward also pointed out that it is wise to use solicitors specialising in buying and selling homes, as the process may take longer if general lawyers are used.

Last month, research carried out by reallymoving.com found that 37 per cent of people do not really understand what the term conveyancing means, even though 23 per cent of them had already bought a property.

Some 19 per cent reported thinking the process could be carried out by an estate agent.