Tips to help you move house quickly and efficiently
Conveyancing is the legal process of transferring property ownership from one person to another. It involves a lot of paperwork and can be a time-consuming process. However, there are ways to speed up the process and make it more efficient.
Here are some tips to help you achieve fast conveyancing:
1. Get all identification and proof of funds ready in advance.
A speedy start can be a crucial factor in a fast conveyancing transaction. At Oliver & Co Solicitors there is an option for 100% digital onboarding, meaning buyers and sellers do not need to print any documents or post anything back. ID checks and initial documents can all be dealt with in a matter of minutes. More old-fashioned methods involving paper documents and the postal system could result in a delay of a week or more.
2. Arrange finance early.
Another factor in ensuring a fast conveyancing transaction is to ensure that mortgage finance, if required, is dealt with at an early stage. Liaise with a mortgage broker to establish the likely timescale for the mortgage application process. If obtaining a gift as part of the deposit funds, it is important to declare this early and provide your solicitor and mortgage broker with all the requested information as quickly as possible. Failing to declare gifts may slow down what might otherwise have been a fast conveyancing process.
3. Consider the chain.
Fast conveyancing is dependent on all parties in the chain being efficient. Generally speaking, the more people involved, the slower the transaction. You should find out if the person you are buying from is buying on, or if they are just selling to you. If they are the top of the chain then your purchase may proceed faster, however the challenge arises if they are also purchasing a property. With an onward purchase you’ll need to understand if they have found a property or if they are still looking. You may then need to find out if the people they are buying from are also purchasing.
4. Choose a solicitor wisely.
Choosing the right solicitor could mean the difference between a fast conveyancing transaction and one that drags on unnecessarily. Before instructing, check reviews of solicitors on reputable review sites such as Trustpilot. When you have instructed your solicitor, work with them to ensure the transaction proceeds as quickly as possible by returning all documentation and information when requested and without delay. A failure to return documents at an early stage could cause unnecessary delays to an otherwise fast transaction.
5. Arrange searches early.
As a minimum, it is customary for solicitors acting for buyers to obtain a Local Authority Search, a Drainage Search and an Environmental Search. These searches can sometimes take a number of weeks to return results, so it is vital that these are paid for without delay. In many cases, the fast conveyancing transactions are the ones where search results have been received quickly.
By following these tips, you can help speed up the conveyancing process and make it more efficient. Remember, the key to fast conveyancing is to be organised, choose the right solicitor, and to understand the process.
If you are currently looking to sell or purchase a property and would like expert advice, call our friendly team today on 01244 312306 and we will be happy to advise and assist you.
