LicensedConveyancers

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Buying and selling propertyA guide to using a licensed conveyancer

This guide answers many of the commonly asked questions about using the services of a licensed conveyancer to buy and sell property or land.

What is conveyancing?Conveyancing is the process of legally transferring title or ownership of property from one person to another.

What is a licensed conveyancer?A licensed conveyancer is a specialist property lawyer qualifi ed in all aspects of property law in England and Wales. A licensed conveyancer acts on behalf of either the buyer or the seller, representing their interests in a property purchase or sale.

What do licensed conveyancers do?A licensed conveyancer will deal with all aspects of a property or land transaction, ensuring that the terms and conditions of the contract of sale are fair and reasonable and that all the fi nancial information is correct.

Typically, a licensed conveyancer will:• take instructions from you in relation to the sale, purchase or remortgage of land or property• conduct searches with local authorities, the Land Registry and others• advise you of costs incurred such as stamp duty, land tax and legal fees• draft contracts that set out the terms of the sale or purchase of property or land• liaise with mortgage lenders and fi nancial institutions on your behalf; and• pay costs on your behalf such as stamp duty, land tax and estate agents fees.

In addition, licensed conveyancers are Commissioners of Oaths and may also offer additional services such as probate.

What is the difference between a licensed conveyancer and a solicitor?By law, property conveyancing must be carried out by a licensed conveyancer, solicitor or legal executive. Licensed conveyancers are regulated to practice solely in the fi elds of property law and, where applicable, probate. Solicitors may also work in other areas of law.

Who are the CLCThe Council for Licensed Conveyancers, or CLC, is the regulatory body for licensed conveyancers in England and Wales. Our purpose is to set entry standards and regulate the profession of licensed conveyancers effectively in order to: • secure adequate consumer protection• promote effective competition in the legal services market; and• provide choice for consumers. How can I fi nd a licensed conveyancer?To fi nd a licensed conveyancer to suit your needs, visit the CLC website at www.clc-uk.org

Contacting usYou can contact us through our website at www.clc-uk.org, email us at clc@clc-uk.org, call us on 01245 349599 or write to us at: 16 Glebe Road, Chelmsford, Essex CM1 1QG

LicensedConveyancers

Council for