Conveyancing is the legal process of transferring ownership of a property and or land from one person or entity to another. It involves a series of complex legal procedures, including searches, checks, and documentation, to ensure that the transfer of property is legal and binding.
The conveyancing process typically involves the following steps:
- 1Pre-contract stage: This involves obtaining a contract of sale and reviewing it to ensure that it accurately reflects the terms of the sale, including the price, any conditions of the sale, and any other relevant details.
- 2Searches: This involves conducting a range of searches to ensure that the property being sold is free from any encumbrances or legal issues. Searches may include checking for planning restrictions, zoning issues, or other legal disputes.
- 3Negotiations: This involves negotiating the terms of the sale between the buyer and seller, including any special conditions or contingencies.
- 4Exchange of contracts: This involves the buyer and seller signing the contract of sale, and the buyer paying a deposit (usually 10% of the purchase price) to the seller. Once contracts are exchanged, the sale becomes legally binding.
- 5Completion: This is the final stage of the conveyancing process, where the balance of the purchase price is paid by the buyer, and the seller transfers legal ownership of the property to the buyer.
- 6Post-completion stage: This involves lodging the transfer of ownership with the relevant government authorities and paying any taxes or fees associated with the transfer.