Conveyancers are one of the most crucial parties in any home-buying process. Yet, as expert home buying and selling conveyancers with years of experience, one of the most common questions we get here at Entry Conveyancing is: “Do I need a conveyancer to buy a house?” That’s what we’ll explain in this concise but comprehensive home-buying guide. We’ll explore what a conveyancer does for the buyer and discover why it’s essential to have a professional conveyancer in your corner if you’re purchasing a new home.
Buying a home with a conveyancer: How does it work?
Fundamentally, conveyancers are there to facilitate the home-buying experience. They have the power to make sure:
- The legal obligations of the buyer and seller are fulfilled.
- Your (the buyer’s) rights are protected.
- The buying process goes smoothly, and the property’s title is transferred to you.
- All financial obligations are met and fulfilled.
When you buy a home, a conveyancer is essentially there to take the weight off your shoulders, ensure that you get everything you want out of the home-buying experience, and help you avoid problems and minimise delays.
Do I need a conveyancer to buy a house?
You may have already found the house you want to purchase, but finding the actual property is only one part of the home-buying journey. To successfully make the home yours, you’ll need a conveyancer. A conveyancer can provide you with valuable advice that can give you the edge you need to beat out the competition. Conveyancers also understand house-buying property contracts (and can help draft, prepare, and review them), which is especially helpful if you’re a first-time homebuyer.
So, while it’s not a legal requirement to engage a conveyancer to buy a house, it is widely recommended by real estate agents, lawyers, and other professionals that you at least consult a conveyancer if you’re considering buying a house. And even though you can do your own conveyancing, a professional conveyancer is well worth the money in the long run and can save you costly and time-consuming troubles later on.
What does a conveyancer do for the buyer?
You may be wondering what a conveyancer’s actual, concrete responsibilities and actions are in the home-buying process. What a conveyancer will do can be divided into three main categories: research, contractual, and transfer tasks.
Research tasks for the buyer
Conveyancers are not exclusively involved in the transaction itself; as a buyer, it’s recommended to employ the services of a conveyancer prior to the property purchase to help with the following research-based procedures:
- Pre-purchase research: Your conveyancer can research the property you’re interested in and check its certificate of title, easements, and any additional information. They will also examine any debts or financial liabilities linked to the property.
- Property searches: Conveyancers can oversee the legally allowed searches into a property and identity any issues before you sign ownership. Property inspections and searches may include disaster risk checks, structure checks, pest reports, and title searches, among others.
Contractual tasks for the buyer
Throughout the home-buying process, your conveyancer will help you with the following contractual tasks:
- Contract review: Your home buying conveyancer can prepare and review your Contract of Sale, searching for any odd clauses or errors and negotiating for better terms.
- Dispute resolution: If any legal disputes arise during or after the property purchase, your conveyancer can assist you with dispute resolution.
- Legal Paperwork: A conveyancer will also be able to prepare and lodge other legal documents associated with property transfer, such as Land Registry registration.
- Calculating fees and taxes: Your conveyancer can identify and calculate additional expenses associated with buying a house, such as land tax, stamp duty, and other financial obligations.
Transfer tasks for the buyer
Transfer tasks that conveyancers perform for the buyer are usually associated with post-purchasing conveyancing. Conveyancers perform the following transfer tasks for the home buyer:
- Managing important transactions: Conveyancers ensure that all financial obligations are fulfilled (for example, placing your money into a trust account for purchase). From the initial deposit to future payments, your conveyancer is there to ensure you meet the financial requirements to buy your new home.
- Title transfer: A conveyancer will oversee the purchase and ensure that ownership of the house officially transfers from the seller over to you, the buyer.
- Settlement process: Your conveyancer will oversee and guide you through the settlement process — and negotiate the settlement period. They will also ensure that you can cover the costs of settlement, such as legal fees, transfer duty, lending charges, conveyancing fees, and more.
In addition to all of these services, your home-buying conveyancer will offer you legal support and advice from the first consultation to the final step of settlement and beyond.
What can Entry Conveyancing do for you, the buyer?
So, do you need a conveyancer to buy a house? Absolutely — investing in conveyancing services as a buyer can save you time and effort and increase your chances of successfully purchasing a house. You’ll avoid legal difficulties, avoid problematic properties, and fulfil all your legal obligations as a home buyer with a conveyancer.
Entry Conveyancing is here to support you in your home-buying journey. We can streamline the purchase for you and provide personalised service throughout the entire process. We offer unmatched conveyancing services that will help you buy the house you’ve always dreamed of. We cater to home buyers in Melbourne, Brisbane, Sydney, and more areas across Australia. Get in touch today to find your perfect home-buying conveyancer.