Conveyancing is the process of transferring the legal ownership of a property from one party to another. It refers to a written contract between the seller and the buyer stating the agreed upon price, date of actual transfer, and most importantly the duties and responsibilities of both the parties. Since buying or selling of property can be very stressful and involves a lot of legal processes, at times, it can be exhausting and confusing. Thus, a lot of people prefer hiring a Conveyancer.
But why hire a Conveyancer? Is it vital to opt for one?
Conveyancing services can be vital when buying or selling a property. A professional service makes the process run more smoothly and ensures that there are no inconsistencies in the paperwork. A Conveyancer’s job is to act on your behalf in your purchase or sale of a property. Their role includes reviewing the contract of sale, ensuring that you are prepared for critical dates, making a Section 32, liaising with banks and the other party involved in the deal and ensuring that all the relevant documents are prepared and are in order.
If you are a buyer, a conveyancer performs some additional duties like helping with a relevant application to a bank to finance your property, reviewing the documents to make sure the paperwork is in order, organising settlements with banks and advising on other matters relating to the terms and conditions of the contract.
The cost of conveyancers differ, and there is no one-size-fits-all. However, while dealing with a Conveyancer, you can assess what the things you are paying for are. Apart from the fee for their services, it could include disbursements for any expenses made by the conveyancer while dealing with your case like the cost of applying for land certificates or obtaining any other documents on your behalf. It is best to discuss all the possible charges in the first meeting and then go ahead with the process.
While it is not a legal requirement to hire a Conveyancer, it is advisable for legal reasons and also because it makes life a lot easier during the buying or selling of a property. They are familiar with the legalities involved in the sale, purchase, subdivision and transfer of property rights. They can deal with the real estate agents, banks and the other party on your behalf. Also, as they review the contracts and section 32s for you, they can advise on any potential benefits or pitfalls of the transaction. So, until and unless you have a strong knowledge of the legalities involved, it’s best to engage a Conveyancer to ensure a smooth transferral process.