My partner’s dad is a conveyancer. I expect that I'll be able to get mate’s rates for conveyancing, but if not, what kind of fees would I typically be looking at for conveyancing in Essex?

It’s sensible to obtain multiple conveyancing quotes. Do use our comparison tool on this site. You will notice that amounts will contrast greatly but the service one can expect are distinct between law firms as is the case with the vast majority of professional services.

What is the difference between a licensed conveyancer and conveyancing solicitor in Essex

There are many registered licenced Conveyancers in Essex and Solicitor firms in Essex who can help with your conveyancing We would stress that both are regulated professionals specialising in the legal work in the home buying process. Both can handle associated property related work such as remortgage conveyancing, lease extensions and transfer of equity conveyancing.

My bid for a property was accepted at auction in Essex. Conveyancing is necessary. What is next?

Given that you have now exchanged you must choose a conveyancing lawyer soon as you are faced with a pending a fixed date to complete the purchase. Every auction property will ordinarily have an associated legal pack. This will likely include evidence of title and search results. If you have purchased leasehold property the auction pack may contain a copy of the lease, management information and a sellers leasehold information form and other conveyancing paperwork specific to a leasehold property. You should give this to your appointed conveyancing solicitor ASAP. You also need to ensure that you have funds in place to complete the transaction on the set completion date.

Having digested plenty of mortgage guides, I note that it is considered advisable to get your house surveyed prior to buying it. When I asked my local Essex solicitor - who is on the HSBC conveyancing panel - on this she said they don't do this and I need to contract an independent surveyor. Is that normal?

HSBC will need an independent valuation of the property. Your lawyer will not arrange this. Usually HSBC will appoint their own surveyor to do this, and you will have to pay for it. Remember that this is a valuation for mortgage purposes and not a survey. Your lawyer will not organise the survey but they may be able to put you in touch with a local one that they recommend. RICS offers a find a surveyor service (just google it) where you can search for a qualified surveyor by your Essex postcode. As you are getting a mortgage with HSBC, you could contact them to see if they have a list of approved surveyors in Essex.

Should commercial conveyancing searches reveal proposed roadworks that may affect a commercial site in Essex?

Its becoming the norm that commercial conveyancing solicitors in Essex will conduct a SiteSolutions Highways report as it reduces the time that conveyancers spend in sourcing accurate data on highways that impact buildings and development assets in Essex. The search result sets out definitive information on the adoption status of roads, footpaths and verges, as well as the implication of traffic schemes and the rights of way surrounding a commercial development sites in Essex.

For every commercial conveyancing transaction in Essex it is critical to investigate the adoption status of roads surrounding a site. The absence of identifying developments where adoption procedures have not been addressed adequately may cause delays to Essex commercial conveyancing transactions as well as pose a risk to future intentions for the site. These searches are not carried out for domestic conveyancing in Essex.

How does conveyancing in Essex differ for newly converted properties?

Most buyers of new build residence in Essex come to us having been asked by the seller to exchange contracts and commit to the purchase even before the premises is constructed. This is because developers in Essex typically buy the land, plan the estate and want to get the plots sold off as they are building the properties. Buyers, therefore, will have to exchange contracts without actually seeing the house they are buying. To reduce the chances of losing the property, buyers should instruct property lawyers as soon as the property is reserved and mortgage applications should be submitted quickly. Due to the fact that it could be several months and even years between exchange of contracts and completion, the mortgage offer may need to be extended. It would be wise to use a lawyer who specialises in new build conveyancing especially if they are used to new build conveyancing in Essex or who has acted in the same development.

I am looking to sell my house. My former conveyancers has retired. I am in need of a recommendation of a conveyancing firm. I happen to live in Essex if that makes things easier.

You should use our search tool to help you choose a solicitor for your conveyancing in Essex. We have connected thousands of home buyers and sellers with lender approved solicitors to ensure that the legalities of their house move goes with a minimum of fuss.