Moving property can be one of the most stressful things you do. A recent report in the Scotsman claimed that moving house is even more stressful than a divorce – but there are ways you can make it easier.

As you may take from our name – Aberdeen Solicitors’ Property Centre – we believe that a solicitor is an essential part of the home-buying process. Below are five of many reasons why you should use a solicitor and relieve some of that stress when buying or selling a property.

1: To provide expert advice

There are several legal issues that can arise when buying a property – for example, if the property is on a private road, will you be liable for maintenance?

Buying a house or flat will probably be the most expensive purchase you will make in your life, so it’s important you do everything you can to reduce the risks. Having a solicitor on your side can provide you with the expert advice you need to make an informed decision. If you have any questions or concerns, it is better to raise them before you sign on the dotted line.

2: To de-mystify the process

Conveyancing. Land Registration. Unencumbered: there is a lot of jargon associated with property-buying!

A good solicitor will be able to make the process as easy as possible for you by explaining exactly what everything means throughout the whole process, from the Home Report to the concluding missives. This can help give you peace of mind that everything is under control.

3: To handle legal documents

You will always need a solicitor to handle the conveyancing when buying or selling a property.

Some people may try to handle this on their own, but this is not advisable.  It can be an expensive process to unravel any mistakes made.  If you are purchasing with the assistance of a mortgage advisor, it is very unlikely that the lender will proceed unless you have a solicitor acting for you.

4: To make the exchange go faster

A survey by Move with Us found that 84% of clients only sought legal advice when an offer was accepted, rather than as soon as the property went on the market.

It was estimated that this delay cost customers an average of 11 extra days before the exchange, based on analysis of more than 1,000 completed conveyancing files from 2013.

By having a solicitor involved from the very beginning, helping you through the house buying process, you could cut this time and move into your new house quicker.

5: To use ASPC

Our extensive facilities are open only to clients of solicitors.

While we do have member solicitors, any solicitor firm can advertise a property through ASPC.

If you are interested in using our service, please contact your solicitor who will be able to help you.

Looking to find a solicitor? Visit aspc.co.uk to find one of our member solicitors, or if you are further afield, check out the Law Society of Scotland to discover firms near you.