Do you have to use a solicitor when selling?

[DillyGent]

I am about to put my house on the market and am not planning to buy another. Do I have to use a solicitor or can I just handle the sale myself?

[Nether Edge]

You can do-it-yourself if you know what you're doing AND it's registered land (not unregistered), AND it's a freehold house (not flat- leasehold is more complex), AND there's no existing mortgage (because mortgagee will want a solicitor - at your expense! - even if you don't), AND you have a lot of spare time during working day.

Finally, remember that a solicitor has VG insurance. If he/she screws up, you are well-protected. If you DiY and screw up, who're you gonna blame?

[buildersmate]

We'll take that as a 'no' then Nether?
Probably best to investigate a Licensed Conveyancer. Will do the same job without the expectations of the earnings of a qualified solicitor - who will probably pass the job to the Licensed Conveyancer working as part of his practice in any case.

[Nether Edge]

...or "her practice", eh, buildersmate?

[buildersmate]

Oops. Its a fair cop.

[Nether Edge]

Yes, she is.

[bezzapebo]

I'm fully qualified Licensed Conveyancer, and have worked in private practice as well. We are Property Lawyers specialising only in conveyancing. Some solicitors will also do other types of work and can take longer to get the transaction through. Give a Licensed Conveyancer a try - you might be surprised!

[xxyyabikes]

as far as I know,you do not need a solicitor or conveyancing agent,as long as you obey the legalities,..11 years ago,I bought my house from an elderly gent who did just this,there is a book available which guides you through this,the name of which elludes me...get an up to date copy,as the guy who we bought from had a copy which was 5 years out of date !...the only problem we had at the time was at the exchange of deposit ,where MY solicitor refused to pass on the deposit,as it was feasable that he may 'pass away'in the peroid between the deposit being forwarded (as it would have gone to him,instead of being held by a middle man ,i/e a solicitor)and the time of completion,creating a legal problem over his will had he died in the intervening peroid.....by the way,he died a couple of years later,proving a point ! ...please be careful !