Equity release can allow eligible homeowners to access money tied up in their property while continuing to live there. Because the arrangement is secured against your home and can have long-term consequences, independent legal advice is an important part of the process.
RG Law provides the conveyancing and independent legal work required for equity release transactions, reviewing the legal documents, checking the property title and explaining the legal effect of the arrangement.
You should also obtain appropriate independent financial advice so that you understand the product, costs and wider financial implications before proceeding.
What is equity release conveyancing?
Equity release conveyancing is the legal work involved when an equity release product, commonly a lifetime mortgage, is secured against a home. Your lawyer acts independently, checks the title and lender documentation, explains your legal obligations and helps ensure the transaction is completed and registered correctly.
Independent Legal Advice
We explain the legal documents and consequences of the equity release arrangement so you can make an informed decision before signing.
Title & Provider Requirements
We review the property title and deal with the legal requirements raised by the equity release provider, including any issues that need resolving before completion.
Completion & Registration
Once the legal requirements are satisfied and you choose to proceed, we complete the transaction, deal with the funds and register the charge where required.
The 6 main stages of equity release conveyancing with RG Law
Financial Advice & Product Selection
Instruct RG Law
Property searches provide important information that may not be obvious from viewing the property itself. Depending on the property and its location, searches may include information relating to the local authority, water and drainage, environmental matters and other potential risks. Your property lawyer will review the search results and explain anything that requires further investigation.
ID & Property Checks
The overall cost of conveyancing can include both our legal fees and payments made to third parties on your behalf, often referred to as disbursements. These may include search fees, Land Registry fees and other costs connected with your transaction. We aim to make our charges as clear as possible from the outset so you understand what you are paying for.
Independent Legal Advice
A property chain exists when several purchases and sales depend on one another completing at around the same time. Chains can sometimes cause delays because every transaction needs to reach the same stage before exchange and completion can take place. We will keep you informed of progress and work with the other parties involved to help move matters forward.
Sign the Legal Documents
Dealing with gazumping can be tricky. Gazumping occurs when a seller accepts a higher offer after agreeing to sell their property to you. It's an unfortunate reality that can throw your conveyancing process off track" To guard against this, RG Law advises moving swiftly. Once your offer has been accepted, instruct us promptly so we can get the ball rolling. We'll aim to exchange contracts as quickly as possible and agree on a completion date. Remember, until contracts are exchanged, nothing is legally binding.
Completion & Registration
When buying a property, we are required to understand where the money being used for your purchase has come from. This forms part of the legal requirements placed on solicitors and conveyancers to prevent money laundering and financial crime. We will therefore ask you to provide bank statements and other supporting documents showing the origins of your funds.
What Does Your Equity Release Lawyer Do?
Your conveyancer is responsible for managing the legal side of your move and making sure the transaction is properly investigated before you become legally committed. Depending on whether you are buying or selling, this may include: Reviewing or preparing contracts Checking the legal title to the property Ordering and reviewing property searches Raising or responding to legal enquiries Liaising with mortgage lenders Checking source-of-funds information Reporting important findings to you Handling exchange of contracts Transferring completion funds Dealing with post-completion registration Just as importantly, your conveyancer should help you understand what is happening and explain any issues that arise in plain English.
Why Choose RG Law?
Moving home is a major life event, and good communication can make a significant difference to the experience. Our aim is to provide a conveyancing service that is clear, approachable and focused on keeping your transaction moving. Clear Communication We keep you informed throughout the transaction and explain the legal process in straightforward language.
Legal Considerations Before You Proceed
A chain-free transaction usually means there are only two connected property transactions involved. This can sometimes make the process more straightforward, although the normal legal checks, searches, enquiries and mortgage requirements will still need to be completed.
Equity Release Conveyancing FAQs
How long does conveyancing take? There is no fixed timescale because every transaction is different. The time required can depend on factors such as the property chain, mortgage arrangements, searches, enquiries and how quickly the different parties respond. We will keep you updated as your transaction progresses. When should I instruct a conveyancer? If you are selling, you can instruct a conveyancer as soon as you decide to put your property on the market. If you are buying, you usually instruct your conveyancer once your offer has been accepted. Starting early can help avoid unnecessary delays. When does a property transaction become legally binding? In most residential transactions in England and Wales, the parties become legally committed when contracts are exchanged. Before exchange, either party can withdraw from the transaction. What happens on completion day? On completion day, the purchase funds are transferred between the lawyers. Once the seller's lawyer confirms that the funds have been received, the estate agent can normally release the keys to the buyer. Do I need property searches? If you are buying with a mortgage, your lender will usually require certain searches to be carried out. Even where searches are not mandatory, they can reveal important information about the property and surrounding area.
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