Research reveals widespread confusion over conveyancing

Posted 01/08/2010

A new survey has revealed that many Britons may be in the dark when it comes to understanding what happens during the conveyancing process.

Research carried out by reallymoving.com discovered that 37 per cent of people do not understand what the term ‘conveyancing’ means.

Although 51 per cent of these respondents were currently living with their parents, 23 per cent of them had already purchased their own home and so had actually been through the conveyancing process.

Meanwhile, many people were unsure about the services their conveyancing solicitor could offer, with 19 per cent believing the process could be carried out by an estate agent.

Some respondents also thought the solicitors would help to negotiate mortgage rates or organise a removal firm.

Rosemary Rogers, a spokeswoman for reallymoving.com, commented: ‘While most people realise that there is a lengthy legal procedure when buying and selling property, many are unaware of the actual legal process and who is responsible for actions at which stage.’

Last month, Lorna Vestey, financial advisor at the Telegraph advised anyone buying or selling a property to contact a conveyancing solicitor as early as possible in order to help the transaction run smoothly.