Conveyancing is the legal process of buying and selling a property. The person who deals with this process is usually referred to simply as a 'conveyancer,' which is a generic term to describe either a conveyancing solicitor or a licensed conveyancer.
When you place an offer on a property, one of the first things your estate agent will ask for is details of your conveyancer, so that they can inform the seller's conveyancer. It is usually best to find a suitable conveyancer before this stage, otherwise you could be left having to make a rushed decision.
Once you've chosen a conveyancer for the job, he or she will get to work on the legal aspects of your house move. This involves doing local and land charges searches, examining the title deeds for potential problems, arranging for stamp duty to be paid and recording changes with the Land Registry.
Since conveyancing plays such an integral role in the process of buying and selling a house, it is vital to make sure you choose a reputable conveyancer. The best way to do this is to ask for recommendations from friends or family, but estate agents and mortgage brokers can also give advice.
The cost of conveyancing can vary, so it's always a good idea to obtain several quotes from different companies. Bear in mind that conveyancers usually charge for their time, as well as any phone calls, faxes or letters that are exchanged. As a rough guide, BBC Homes say that you should expect to pay around