How can I speed up the conveyancing process?

When buying a house, everyone wants to complete as quickly and hassle-free as possible, right? But it can sometimes feel like conveyancing is standing in the way of you and your new home and that the process is taking…well…forever. However, as a team of professional conveyancers that pride ourselves on getting the job done, we’re on your side. The million-dollar question is often ‘how can I speed up the conveyancing process’, but first, let’s have a look at what’s actually involved.

What does a conveyancer actually do?

Buying a house is a huge investment. It’s crucial you know exactly what you’re buying and that you really do own it in the eyes of the law. This is where conveyancers come in.

Contracts & Documents

Once you instruct your conveyancing solicitor, they will contact the seller’s solicitor to obtain a draft contract and other necessary documents such as the title deeds for the property you are buying. They will study these documents to see what needs to be investigated further as part of the process and will also establish if the property you are buying is freehold or leasehold.

Searches

Your conveyancer will then carry out searches on the property you are buying to uncover any potential hidden risks or points to be aware of, such as planning consents given, road adoption agreements or restrictions on the property due to its location. The other main searches they will carry out include a Regulated Drain & Water Search, Envirosearch, Chancel Indemnity Policy and a Land Registry Title Plan search.

Your conveyancer will carry out searches on the property you are buying to uncover any hidden risks or points to be aware of

Exchange & Completion

When your conveyancing solicitor is satisfied with their searches, any questions have been answered and there are no issues, you will exchange contracts. Usually, your deposit is paid at this stage, your conveyancer will exchange contracts for you, and the purchase becomes legally binding.

Here’s the good bit! By exchanging contracts you fix your completion date (that everyone in the chain needs to agree on). Your conveyancer will then send you a final statement showing you how much money you need to pay (including any mortgage). This sum will need to be cleared into your solicitor’s bank account at least one day before the day of completion.

How can I speed up the conveyancing process?

We understand waiting for searches etc can be a frustrating time, but there are things you can do to help move things along. Here are some of our top tips to speed up the conveyancing process:

Be pro-active

When you’ve chosen your conveyancing solicitor, complete the ID and any other forms required quickly to get things moving. Here at Holden Smith, we use facial recognition technology through our app for ID verification and document uploads, helping keep things very simple and quick. Call your estate agent and put them in touch with your solicitor, including email address and phone number.

Respond quickly to adverse survey results

There might be instances where your survey  throws up less-than-ideal results or issues but responding to your conveyancer or surveyor asap when they get in touch to discuss and resolve the problem will help. They will be able to advise you. You might need to renegotiate the purchase price for example based on what the survey throws up, but don’t faff about feeling awkward about making a revised offer and instead get straight on it.

Consider indemnity policies

There are times where searches might reveal technical issues you are quite happy to live with, like a missing certificate of works or minor legal issue If that’s the case, tell your solicitor you are happy to opt for an indemnity policy to speed things up.

Communicate, communicate, communicate!

All said and done, communication is the key to a speedy conveyancing process. As we mentioned earlier, at Holden Smith our handy app means clients can always see the latest progress on their transaction, but don’t be afraid to ask your conveyancer for regular updates and be sure to respond promptly if they need any information or answers from you.

Are you looking for a conveyancer that gets things done? You’re in the right place. Contact Holden Smith today on hello@holdensmith.co.uk or use our contact form.