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Conveyancing Solicitors in Dorchester

If you plan to buy, sell, or remortgage a home in Dorchester, it is important to seek the expert advice of experienced conveyancing solicitors. That way, you will be able to feel confident that everything is under control at each step of the process.

You may be feeling rather excited about that next property transaction — it may even be your first. There are, however, a few potential risks to be mindful of. At Bird & Co, we have the right experience and expertise to guide you through the process and help you steer clear of any obstacles.

Our team of conveyancing solicitors in Dorchester offer a simple, reliable conveyancing service that is both easy and accessible. We are always at hand to answer any queries, guiding you through each step from beginning to end.

To make things even easier, the service is also available online. Our reach extends to a broad range of clients, not only in Dorchester but across the wider Dorset area.

To get in touch with a member of our conveyancing team in Dorchester, give us a call, or get a quote online.

How our conveyancing solicitors in Dorchester can help you

Our Dorchester property solicitors have knowledge and expertise over range of conveyancing issues, including:

We are on the panel for most major lenders, so we are able to support you regardless of whether you have chosen to use a national firm or a local building society.

Why choose Bird & Co’s conveyancing solicitors in Dorchester?

Our dedicated online conveyancing service means that we are able to offer assistance wherever you are. There is no need to meet us in-person at the local office — unless you prefer it that way.

The whole process has been tailored to make everything as easy for you as possible. We have modernised and streamlined the process, while keeping that personal touch.

Our residential property solicitors in Dorchester are always available. The email address of the solicitor assigned to your case will always be provided, allowing direct correspondence and the opportunity to raise queries at any time.

Accreditation from the Law Society Conveyancing Quality Scheme shows that we have a commitment to:

  • Provide high quality legal advice
  • Get your conveyancing transaction completed as efficiently as possible
  • Provide top quality customer service and respond to queries quickly
  • Keep you regularly updated and never leave you in the dark about the status of your transaction
  • Be upfront and honest about your fees – we will provide you with an accurate quote before you instruct us so that you can decide whether we are right for you

With Lexcel accreditation from the Law Society, we are dedicated to client care, customer service, and management to the highest standards.

Why instruct our online conveyancers instead of a conveyancer in Dorchester?

There are several good reasons to opt for online conveyancing. These include:

  • Our property lawyers are expert professionals with an in-depth knowledge of the national property market. This sets us apart from residential property solicitors in Dorchester that may only serve the local area.
  • Our online systems have been developed with sensitive communication in mind.

The security of legal documents is paramount, whether those documents are physical or digital. We make use of email encryption, malware protection, and best security practices to ensure the safety of client information.

  • We can get your conveyancing done quickly and efficiently. The whole conveyancing process can be carried out remotely, so there are fewer potential delays to be concerned about.
  • Online conveyancing tends to be more cost-effective. Performing tasks digitally reduces some of those costs traditionally associated with face-to-face conveyancing.
  • Our experience extends to property transactions all around the nation — even for clients who are on the other side of the world. Video conferencing enables us to stay in touch, wherever clients may be.  
  • Whether meeting online or in-person, our legal obligations remain the same. The conveyancing process is the same and we are fully insured in any instance.

Our conveyancing fees – how much does our conveyancing cost in Dorchester?

Conveyancing solicitors’ fees in Dorchester are flexible to meet your needs. There are fixed fees for certain straightforward tasks, serving as a clear indication of what may need to be paid. You will be given a simple conveyancing quote. Your solicitor will be sure to actively let you know of any additional fees.

Further costs associated with the conveyancing process are known as disbursements. Some of the disbursements that you may encounter concern registering properties with HM Land Registry or conveyancing searches.

Property transactions may also be subject to tax. For example, Stamp Duty Land Tax or Capital Gains Tax. Your solicitor is there to assist in calculating how much is owed and filing the return with HMRC.

Conveyancing FAQs

How does the conveyancing process work in Dorchester?

The conveyancing process is divided into three stages:

  • Offer and acceptance
  • Exchange of contracts
  • Completion

The buyer and seller will agree to enter into a contract once an offer has been accepted. There is no legal obligation until the contract has been exchanged and signed by both parties.

The buyer will perform a number of property checks with their own solicitor, including:

  • Reviewing property information provided by the seller and making further enquiries if necessary (done by the conveyancing solicitor)
  • Conducting conveyancing property searches, such as local authority checks (done by the conveyancing solicitor)
  • Carrying out an independent survey (done by the buyer)

The buyer will apply for a mortgage at this stage, if required.

When property checks have been completed and both parties are ready to proceed, contracts will be exchanged and signed. The transaction becomes legally binding at this point and a financial penalty would be incurred if for pulling out of the deal.

The transaction becomes official upon completion. A transfer deed will be submitted to HM Land Registry and the seller will be required to vacate the property.

How long does conveyancing take in Dorchester?

Each conveyancing transaction comes with its own challenges, so it is not always possible to say exactly how long it will take to reach completion. In a typical case, uncomplicated conveyancing may take around 12-14 weeks from the point of accepting an offer and instructing the solicitor.

Of course, there may be times when delays cannot be avoided. If conveyancing appears likely to be delayed for any reason, the solicitor will be sure to keep you updated.

What searches are involved in conveyancing in Dorchester?

When purchasing a property, Dorchester property solicitors will need to perform certain checks to ensure there are no issues that need to be resolved.

There are three main types of conveyancing search:

  • Local authority checks – to check the surrounding area for planning, pollution, highway, pollution or other related issues
  • Environmental searches – to check for issues such as flooding or land contamination
  • Water and drainage searches – to check matters such as water and drainage access

Your solicitor will be in touch if and when further checks are needed.

Is it better to use a conveyancing solicitor in Dorchester or a conveyancer?

For many property buyers or sellers, the difference between a conveyancing solicitor or a licensed conveyancer may not be clear. Both are qualified to handle property transactions, but there are some differences to consider. The decision may come down to personal preference.

Working with a firm of conveyancing lawyers in Dorchester can offer certain advantages. Such a firm is likely to have broad expertise beyond property transactions, which can be helpful to those involved in buying or selling property. For example, they may be more knowledgeable when it comes to Wills and inheritance laws, property rights for unmarried couples, or resolving disputes. The broader range of expertise offered by a firm can become relevant and useful for complex transactions or in the event of a dispute.

What documents does a property solicitor in Dorchester need for conveyancing?

The documents needed for residential conveyancing can vary depending on whether you are buying or selling a property. Several documents are typically required.

When buying a property in Dorchester, you will need to provide certain documents as part of the residential conveyancing process, which may include:

  • Identification (e.g.  passport or driving licence)
  • Proof of address
  • Proof of funds (such as bank statements)
  • The official offer of mortgage

When selling a property, the necessary documents may include:

  • Proof of ownership
  • Seller’s Property Information Form
  • Certificates, guarantees and planning permission documentation
  • Fitting and contents form
  • Energy Performance Certificate (EPC)
  • Leasehold or freehold information
  • Details of the mortgage

How do you instruct our conveyancing solicitors in Dorchester?

Bird & Co’s conveyancers in Dorchester are ready and waiting to receive your call. Alternatively, if you would like to complete our online enquiry form, we will give you a prompt call back.

The team will be able to guide you with the initial stages of your conveyancing transaction. Your dedicated conveyancer in Dorchester will see to all the legal details related to your transaction once your file is opened.

Our conveyancing solicitors in Dorchester are eager to assist you. Whether you are moving to, from, or within the local area, we are here to guide you through every step.

Get in touch with our conveyancing solicitors in Dorchester

Get in touch with our conveyancing solicitors in Dorchester by giving us a call or get a quote online.