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Should You Do Your Own Conveyancing?
Can I do my own conveyancing?
It is possible to do your own conveyancing, however it isn’t advisable. The conveyancing process is complex and should only be done by people who fully understand the legal procedure of transferring ownership from one party to another.
Why do people choose to do their own conveyancing?
The main reason why people choose to do their own conveyancing is to save money. Through doing it yourself you could save between £400-£1000 in legal fees.
It is however important to note that by doing your own conveyancing you will not be covered by professional negligence insurance, in the same way that a registered conveyancer or property solicitor would be. This means that should anything go wrong with your conveyancing, you will be personally liable.
Get a quote using our online conveyancing calculator.
How much money will I save by doing my own conveyancing?
The savings that you would make by doing your own conveyancing range from around £400 to £1000 – i.e. the cost of the solicitor’s legal fees. Even by doing the legal paperwork yourself you are still required to pay for third party disbursements and Stamp Duty Land Tax.
Be aware that if you are buying with a mortgage, the mortgage lender prohibits you from doing your own conveyancing and will appoint a solicitor to handle the transaction. You will be charged for their service.
What are the benefits of using a property solicitor?
Using a property solicitor to handle your sale or purchase brings with it many benefits including:
- Time saving – Solicitors are experienced in handling property transactions at speed. They will be able to spot and rectify any issues quickly, leading to a sooner completion date.
- Less risk – If you do your own conveyancing you could mess up the process and be left in a position that makes you liable. Without professional negligence insurance in place this could cost you thousands in legal fees – more than the original cost of hiring a solicitor.
Your solicitor will look over important documentation including the details of the mortgage, review the findings from surveys and raise enquiries on the paperwork received – such as requesting missing paperwork and certificates, consents and planning permissions. All of which may influence your decision to go ahead with the purchase or to change your offer.
Read out guide ‘Do I Need a Conveyancing Solicitor When Buying a House?’ for more information.
When should I not consider doing my own conveyancing?
There are certain scenarios when DIY conveyancing is definitely not recommended and these include:
- When purchasing or selling a leasehold property
- When the property is not registered with the Land Registry
- When the sellers or divorcing or separating
