Do I Need a Solicitor to Sell My House? (Conveyancing Explained)
The Legal Side of Selling a Home
It is perfectly legal (and often highly profitable) to sell your home without an estate agent. However, when it comes to the legal transfer of ownership—known as conveyancing—you absolutely need a qualified professional.
Solicitor vs Conveyancer
| Feature | Solicitor | Licensed Conveyancer |
|---|---|---|
| Qualifications | Fully qualified lawyer | Specialist in property law |
| Scope of Work | Can handle complex legal disputes | Focuses solely on property transfers |
| Average Cost | £1,000 - £1,800 | £800 - £1,500 |
- Drafts the Contract: They draw up the draft contract of sale to send to the buyer's solicitor.
- Handles Property Enquiries: They assist you in answering legal questions from the buyer about boundaries, disputes, and fixtures.
- Redeems the Mortgage: They calculate how much you owe your current lender and ensure the mortgage is paid off upon completion.
- Manages the Money: They receive the funds from the buyer and transfer your remaining equity to you.
Instruct your solicitor as soon as you put your house on the market, not after you accept an offer. This gives them time to gather title deeds and prepare the initial paperwork, shaving weeks off the transaction time.