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First-Time Buyers: What Checks Will My Conveyancing Solicitor Carry Out on a Property?
When buying a property, many first-time buyers want to understand exactly what their conveyancing solicitor will check before the purchase completes. These checks are an important part of the legal process and help ensure buyers fully understand the property they are purchasing.
In a recent video shared during First Time Buyers’ National Home Buying Week, Sam Finn, Trainee Solicitor in our Conveyancing team, explains the key checks a conveyancing solicitor will carry out during a property transaction.
Sam Finn explains some of the checks carried out during a purchase, including the property title, ownership, boundaries, rights of way, planning history and restrictions affecting the property.
Video by Sam Finn, Trainee Solicitor in the Watkins Solicitors Conveyancing team.
As part of the conveyancing process, your solicitor will review a number of legal aspects relating to the property. These checks help identify any issues that could affect your ownership, use or enjoyment of the property.
Your solicitor will examine the legal title to confirm that the seller has the legal right to sell the property and that ownership can be transferred to you. They will also check for any charges or restrictions registered against the property.
Boundary information recorded in the title documents will be reviewed to understand the extent of the land included in the purchase and whether there are any potential issues relating to neighbouring properties.
Your solicitor will check whether any rights of way affect the property. For example, neighbouring properties may have a legal right to cross land within the title, or the property may benefit from access rights over nearby land.
Planning records may be reviewed to confirm whether alterations or extensions to the property received the appropriate planning permission and building regulation approval.
Restrictive covenants are legal conditions attached to a property which may limit how it can be used. They may restrict building work, business use or certain types of alterations.
Your solicitor will also arrange property searches with relevant authorities. These can reveal information about matters such as local planning issues, drainage and environmental risks.
Restrictive covenants can affect what you are permitted to do with a property after you buy it. Your solicitor will review any restrictions carefully and explain whether they could affect your plans for the property.
If a restriction or other title issue raises concerns, further enquiries may need to be raised with the seller’s solicitor before you commit to the purchase.
This gives you the opportunity to understand the legal position affecting the property before contracts are exchanged.
Our Conveyancing team supports buyers and sellers with residential property transactions across England and Wales, providing clear advice and practical guidance throughout the process.
If you are planning a move and would like advice about the conveyancing process, our specialist team can guide you through the legal work involved in your transaction and explain any issues identified along the way.
The full video, featuring Sam Finn answering this frequently asked question, is available above and on our social media channels as part of First Time Buyers’ National Home Buying Week.
If you are planning to buy your first home and would like advice about the conveyancing process, our specialist team would be happy to help.
You can contact our Conveyancing team by emailing MovingHome@watkinssolicitors.co.uk or calling 0117 939 0350 to discuss your situation and next steps.
Our Conveyancing TikTok features short videos from the Watkins Solicitors Conveyancing team answering common questions about buying and selling property, first-time buyer issues and the conveyancing process.
Follow @watkinssolicitors.convey for practical explanations from our team and to see our latest property videos.