do I really need a solicitor?

Vgirly

Previously we have transferred houses in the family with no solicitors just land registry forms. Can I do that for buying a flat off someone else?
No finance and Don't really think I need searches ( houses have been there along time, and sold plenty sure any mines would of been notated.

jonesMUFCforever

If you can afford to write off the money if it goes wrong - go with it otherwise get it done properly.

agrinnall

Is it a leasehold flat? If so I think you'd be taking a big risk not using a solicitor.

Annisele

If it's a freehold flat, I think you'd be taking even more of a risk than if it was leasehold!

The solicitor doesn't just deal with searches; they also check the seller actually owns what he thinks he owns. Certainly it's possible to do it yourself, but unless you're certain you know what you're doing you should pay a professional.

eddddy

This link gives an overview of Purchase Conveyancing process - including leasehold: http://freeconveyancingadvice.co.uk/sale-purchase/buying-property

Maybe read it through before deciding what you want to do.

ambioni

anyone can do their own conveyancing and if you have legal training/qualifications then it's a good way to save money....but if it goes wrong you could be in serious trouble and will not have a solicitor to blame and sue

teddysmum

I sold my late father's bungalow, some 25 years ago, without a solicitor, though I was advised by the buyers solicitor. However, I knew that my father was legal owner, with nothing owing and the bungalow's history since newbuild. This was very different from buying from an unknown person.

Missko

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Missko

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Bossypants

Missko wrote: »

Seriously, do you think the Seller's solicitor would want to deal with you directly?

They can't refuse if that's what you decide to do, although some may get a bit snotty and possibly even deliberately awkward about it. And regarding your comment on time spent by law students, as I remember it wasn't that far off!

(Not that I'm for a moment recommending that OP do this - as teddysmum said, selling is one thing, so long as it's a straightforward sale most people could probably manage it without too much trouble, but with buying you're setting yourself up for a big loss if you get it wrong.)

G_M

It is perfectly legal to DIY conveyancing.

It is also perfectly possible, for anyone who
* is reasonably well educated
* can follow processes step by step
* has the right book(s)
* has sufficient time to devote to the learning involved
* will be sensible about knowing their limitations (eg if they encounter a problem)

Freehold is of course easier than leasehold. Mortgages add (insumountable?) issues. Interpretion of covenants, leases, search results etc may be problematic.

http://www.amazon.co.uk/Which-Guide-Conveyancing-Consumer-Guides/dp/085202813X/ref=sr_1_2?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1430859573&sr=1-2&keywords=diy+conveyancing

http://www.amazon.co.uk/Bradshaws-Guide-Buying-Selling-Conveyancing/dp/B001KSX616/ref=sr_1_3?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1430859595&sr=1-3&keywords=diy+conveyancing

http://www.amazon.co.uk/Buying-Selling-Conveyancing-Lawpack-Property/dp/1906971803/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1430859612&sr=1-1&keywords=diy+conveyancing