Whenever you buy or sell your home, a process called residential conveyancing has to take place. But what exactly is residental conveyancing? Should you attempt to do the conveyancing yourself, or get professional help? After all, at such a stressful time as moving home, you’ve got enough to think about already. 

Residential conveyancing is a legally required part of the housebuying process. It is the method by which a house or a flat is transferred from the seller to the buyer. It is one of the most important aspects of buying or selling a home.

Though it is quite possible to do it yourself, it requires a great deal of expertise, and getting it wrong can be expensive. Most people use a solicitor to take care of the residential conveyancing process. While this obviously adds to the costs involved, it greatly reduces the likelihood of any expensive mistakes being made. A solicitor specialising in property law will have the knowledge and experience to ensure the residential conveyancing process runs smoothly. You can leave it to them while you sort out the other details, for example arranging surveys and dealing with your mortgage lender.

Since the 1st of June 2007, it is compulsory to have a Home Information Pack when buying or selling a home in the UK. This means you will now need searches, office copy entries, an energy performance certificate and all your property particulars collated in advance of marketing your home for sale.

Make sure you get the help of an experienced property law solicitor who can guide you through the residential conveyancing process, including the preparation of your Home Information Pack. A solicitor can also give advice and assistance on home equity release loans, re-mortgages, leasehold extensions, leasehold enfranchisement and tenancy agreements and transfers of equity.