Let’s go back to 1968 and see what, if anything, has changed for conveyancers? In 1968 Ian McD Wright wrote The Compleat Conveyancer.
The Compleat Conveyancer, with the sub-heading Moving House? What your solicitor is up to – a few rays of light on the mystery is a 13 page book that covers every stage of the transaction and helpful tips and insights along the way.
Whilst written for the client at the time, it is still an interesting read today and many questions raised are ones no doubt many conveyancers are asked frequently.
It even has a section titled: Why are they so …… slow? – Causes of delay – which explains to the client the delays with chains.
Ian McD Wright, when writing this no doubt channels his experience of being a conveyancer (both the law and practicalities) alongside his knowledge of working with clients when writing this, and there are parts which are very funny.
Despite being written in 1968 there are clear similarities and many of the processes remain the same, there is also a section on how the buyer or seller can assist/help the conveyancer.
From a ‘Blame The Government’ section talking about disbursements including stamp duty and land registry fees through to a ‘Miscellaneous matters we leave to you’, this guide with walks the client through the process and anything which may subsequently occur along the way.
Ian highlights that whilst it has been said that “it is a simple matter, requiring no special qualifications to conduct the business of buying and selling houses”, Ian was glad to have his legal training when answering a host of questions frequently asked.
It ends, with a sentiment I am sure so many can relate to:
“That this should be so is perhaps some evidence that our work and the system we which we have inherited and help to maintain, are not wholly without valye.”
If you would like to read The Compleat Conveyancer, click the image below.
A special thanks to Bold Legal Group member Colin Crowe of Dyer and Crowe who found this and sent it in to to Rob Hailstone at BLG.
