Introduction
We've put together this guide for you, to help you better understand the terms used in conveyancing. This written explanation cannot cover absolutely everything that can arise during the transfer of ownership of land, which is why our team are here for you for every step of the way. However, if you follow the images in this slide gallery below, you can gain a more-than-basic understanding of the main stages of the conveyancing process.
WHAT TO EXPECT
Find out what the conveyancing process includes, step-by-step, by following this illustrated guide.
Conveyancing Process
Clients tend to think of the conveyancing process in terms of buying and/or selling a house or flat, for example. But Conveyancers tend to think in terms of transferring the land on which any buildings stand. We usually refer to property rather than buildings or land, as both stand on the property. Conveyancing is the transfer of owernship of that land.
Transferring the ownership of land is not like transferring the ownership of, say, a table or a car. Land is always there, and in the course of time, many rights and obligations may be created in relation to it; and they are often not evident on an inspection of the property.
It is a recognised fact that moving house can be more stressful than divorce! However, here at Angela Viney Conveyancing Services we would like to take as much stress out of this process as possible. But note, if you are selling we cannot do anything to start the conveyancing process until we have documents to prove your ownership of the property. This proof of ownership of a property is shown through the Title Information.
Moving house can feel like a daunting prospect, particularly for new buyers. However, for most property transfers the process is a relatively straightforward one. A useful consideration to note, though, is that a property transfer can only move as quickly as the slowest person in the chain. Upon average, the time it normally takes for the conveyancing process to complete is between 8-12 weeks.
Title Information
Registered Title
If the property has changed hands within the last 30 years it will be registered at the Land Registry and have a unique Title Number. As part of the conveyancing process, we will obtain a copy of the Title Register, which comprises of the details of the property, registered owners and mortgage/s.
Unregistered Title
If the property has not changed hands within the last 30 years it may not have been registered. If so, it will be subject to its first registration by the new owners.
Mortgage Property
Until recent years, Mortgage Lenders held and stored Title Deeds, however they have ceased to do this, relying on the computerised Land Registry records instead. So, if you have a mortgage and are selling, depending on when your mortgage was taken out, it may be necessary to obtain the property deeds from your lender. This takes about five working days and most mortgage lenders charge for producing the deeds.
If you don't have a mortgage and have your Title Deeds in your possession, then please let us have them as soon as possible. Similarly, if you have any old deeds (which may be obsolete now) please let us have them as they may potentially contain information that isn't apparent from the registered Title Information held by the Land Registry.
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Most importantly, though, please do remember to tell us if there have been any changes which would affect the title to your property, such as a change of name, or the death of a co-owner. Evidence of such changes has to be produced as part of the title information.