Once your offer on a property has been accepted, and the property has been taken off the market, it’s then time to hire a solicitor to begin the process of transferring property ownership over to you.
You can either appoint a solicitor, a property lawyer, or a licensed conveyancer to complete the conveyancing work.
There are a few things to consider when looking for someone to complete your legal work:
- Check that firms are licensed to practise with the Council for Licensed Conveyancers.
- Find out their charges, including a full breakdown of costs.
- Find out how often you will receive updates on the progress of your sale.
- How many partners work for the firm? Some mortgage lenders will ask your conveyancers to act for them too, and may need a minimum number of partners.
- Find out whether you will need to go into their office to sign papers, or whether they do this by post and email.
- Ask to see testimonials from other customers, as this will give you an idea of whether the firm is suitable to hire.
- If you are looking for a quick turnaround, check that they can meet your timescales.