If you’re selling a property in the UK, you’ll need to instruct a conveyancer to work on your behalf during the sale process.
A conveyancer is a legal expert who handles the sale of property and looks after all parties’ interests. The seller’s conveyancer will work with the buyer’s conveyancer to ensure that all legal and financial aspects of the sale are dealt with properly.
What does a conveyancer do for the seller?
Conveyancers help sellers to sell properties by taking on all of the legal and technical aspects of the sale to make sure that it’s done properly. But what exactly does this mean, and what does a conveyancer’s fee cover? Here are five key tasks that a conveyancer carries out when working on behalf of a seller.
1. Advise the seller
A conveyancer is hired by a seller to support the sale of their property and guide them through the legal process of selling. They’re there to answer any questions that the seller might have about the process and ensure that the sale goes smoothly by chasing up the buyer’s solicitor when necessary.
2. Carry out an identity check on the buyer
Conveyancers carry out an identity check on the buyer of the home to make sure they are who they say they are and check that they’re legally eligible to buy property in the UK. They also carry out an identity check on the seller in order to meet anti-money laundering regulations.
3. Gather the documentation
If you’re selling a house, there’s a lot of paperwork involved in the transaction. Conveyancers obtain the title deeds of the property as well as the details of all mortgages secured on the property. They gather information on both the seller and the buyer and send along relevant documents, such as the fittings and contents form, to the buyer’s conveyancer.
4. Negotiate and draft the contract
The seller’s conveyancer negotiates the terms of the contract with the buyer’s conveyancer, for example negotiating a day for exchange and a completion date. The seller’s conveyancer then uses this information to draft a contract for both the seller and the buyer to sign.
5. Exchange contracts
On the date of exchange, the seller’s conveyancer and the buyer’s conveyancer exchange contracts usually over the phone, checking that both parties have signed identical contracts and how much deposit has been paid. They also carry out calculations to work out how much, if anything, the seller owes on their mortgage and any other charges or payments that need to be made on completion of the sale.
6. Respond to additional enquiries
Once the buyer’s solicitor reviews the contract pack, they will almost always raise a specific set of questions known as ‘additional enquiries’. Your conveyancer plays a vital role here by filtering these queries; they will answer the technical legal points directly and guide you on how to answer practical questions regarding boundaries, disputes, or planning permissions to ensure you don’t accidentally expose yourself to future liability.
7. Handle leasehold specifics
If you are selling a leasehold property (such as an apartment), the legal workload is significantly higher. Your conveyancer acts as the liaison between you and your freeholder or management company to obtain the ‘Management Pack’ (LPE1 form). This document is essential for the buyer, as it details service charges, ground rent, and insurance, and the sale cannot proceed without it.
8. Manage the financial completion
On completion day, the conveyancer does more than just check the bank account. They are responsible for receiving the purchase funds and distributing them correctly. This includes paying off your existing mortgage (redeeming the charge), paying the estate agent’s fees, and finally transferring the remaining balance (the equity) to your personal bank account.
Conveyancers do all this and so much more for property sellers in the UK. If you’re looking for an expert conveyancer to help you sell your home, contact us today at 0161 930 5350.
