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Can I Sell a Property Without a Solicitor?

Property Saviour » Solicitors » Can I Sell a Property Without a Solicitor?

Selling a property without a solicitor is not possible. This is because most solicitor won’t deal with a seller representing themselves.  Let’s look at what you need to know if you’re thinking about going solo on your property sale.

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Can I sell a property without a solicitor?

Yes, in theory you can sell a property without a solicitor, but it’s not common practice. Most people choose to use a professional for good reason.

Why might you consider selling without a solicitor?

The main draw is cost savings. Solicitor fees can range from £800 to £1,800 for a property sale.

What does a solicitor do when selling a house?

A solicitor handles many tasks during a property sale:

• Drafting and reviewing contracts
• Dealing with enquiries from the buyer’s solicitor
• Handling the exchange of contracts
• Managing the transfer of funds

What are the risks of selling without a solicitor?

Selling without a solicitor can be risky. You might:

• Miss important legal steps
• Make mistakes in paperwork
• Struggle with complex legal jargon
• Have no professional indemnity insurance if things go wrong

A huge mansion in style of Downtown Abbey
DIY conveyancing is when you handle all the legal work yourself. It's possible, but not advisable unless you have a good understanding of property law.

How do commercial lease agent fees work?

Commercial lease agent fees typically fall into two categories:

  1. Commission: A percentage of the total rent over the lease term
  2. Flat fee: A fixed amount charged for the agent’s services

Are there alternatives to using a solicitor?

Yes, you could use a licensed conveyancer. They’re specialists in property law and often cheaper than solicitors.

Here’s a comparison:

SolicitorLicensed Conveyancer
Can handle all legal mattersSpecialises in property law
Usually more expensiveOften cheaper with no legal advice offered.
Regulated by the Solicitors Regulation AuthorityRegulated by the Council for Licensed Conveyancers

What about DIY conveyancing?

DIY conveyancing is when you handle all the legal work yourself. It’s possible, but not advisable unless you have a good understanding of property law.

Do mortgage lenders require a solicitor?

Most mortgage lenders insist that you use a solicitor or licensed conveyancer. This protects their interests in the property.

What about selling to a cash buyer?

Even when selling to a cash buyer, using a solicitor is still recommended. They can help ensure everything is above board and legally sound.

How can I save money on legal fees?

If you want to save money but don’t want to go it alone, consider:

  1. Using a licensed conveyancer
  2. Shopping around for the best solicitor quotes
  3. Asking if your chosen solicitor offers fixed-fee services

What should I do if I decide to sell without a solicitor?

If you choose to sell without a solicitor:

• Research the process thoroughly
• Be prepared for a lot of paperwork
• Understand you’ll be responsible for any mistakes
• Be aware that some buyers might be put off

Are there any situations where I must use a solicitor?

For leasehold properties, you often need to use a solicitor. Some freeholders require it.

How long does the selling process take with and without a solicitor?

With a solicitor, a straightforward sale typically takes 8-12 weeks. Without one, it could take longer if you’re unfamiliar with the process.

What paperwork do I need to handle if selling without a solicitor?

You’ll need to manage:

• The property information form
• The fittings and contents form
• The leasehold information form (if applicable)
• The draft contract

How do I handle the exchange of contracts without a solicitor?

This is a tricky part. You’ll need to agree on a completion date with the buyer and ensure all conditions of the sale are met before exchanging.

What about the completion process?

On completion day, you’ll need to:

• Ensure the property is empty
• Hand over the keys
• Make sure the funds have been transferred

How do I transfer ownership at the Land Registry?

You’ll need to fill out and submit the appropriate forms to the Land Registry. This can be complex if you’re not familiar with the process.

What if something goes wrong during the sale?

Without a solicitor, you won’t have professional indemnity insurance. This means you could be liable if any issues arise from the sale.

We’ll Pay £1,500 Towards Your Legal Fees

When you sell your property to Property Saviour, we’ll contribute £1,500 towards your legal fees. This offer helps ease the financial burden of selling your home and shows our commitment to making the process as smooth as possible for you.

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Property Saviour Price Promise

  • The price we’ll offer is the price that you will receive with no hidden deductions.
  • Be careful with ‘cash buyers’ who require a valuation needed for a mortgage or bridging loan.
  • These valuations or surveys result in delays and price reductions later on.
  • We are cash buyers.  There are no surveys.
  • We always provide proof of funds with every formal offer issued.
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We'll Pay £1,500 Towards Your Legal Fees

  • No long exclusivity agreement to sign because we are the buyers.
  • You are welcome to use your own solicitor. 
  • If you don’t have one, we can ask our solicitors for recommendations.
  • We share our solicitor’s details and issue a Memorandum of Sale. 
Sell

Sell With Certainty & Speed

  • Our approach is transparent and ethical, which is why sellers trust us.
  • 100% Discretion guaranteed. 
  • If you have another buyer, you can put us in a contracts race to see who completes first.
  • Complete in 10 days or at a timescale that works for you.  You are in control.

Selling Your House Through Probate… Watch Out!

Estate agents will put your property on the market your inherited property at an unreasonable asking price. This strategy may well put off any potential buyers because the property requires refurbishment.  This could add further delays to your settlement of the estate, and all the while, the bills for solicitors, council tax, and general utilities will be adding up. 

It is a double-edged sword with both benefits and risks.  It is a blessing from a financial point of view as you will benefit from the monetary value of the property. Often, a probate property will have little or no mortgage left.  It is also likely that the property will require some substantial renovation or modernisation.  This can make selling an inherited property tricky.

One way to minimise the solicitor’s probate bill is to sell inherited property quickly to a genuine cash-buying firm like us.  We are specialists in buying probate property fast.  Plus, we will give you £1,500 towards your legal costs!

We buy probate properties for cash.  Our property-buying service is fast and hassle-free!

Sell with certainty & speed

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