Who does what.
WHAT A SOLICITOR DOES
Conducts searches Prepares and reviews documents Advises on title Handles consent and registration
WHY INDEPENDENT REPRESENTATION MATTERS
A solicitor acting for both parties cannot protect both.
WHAT TO INSIST ON
Your own.
WHAT A SURVEYOR DOES
Verifies boundaries and extent Prepares or checks survey plans Confirms the physical land matches the documents
WHAT AN ESTATE SURVEYOR AND VALUER DOES
Values property Advises on the market
WHY A VALUATION MATTERS
It is independent evidence of what something is worth.
WHEN TO OBTAIN ONE
Before buying anything substantial, and for lending.
WHAT AN ARCHITECT AND ENGINEER DO
Design and certify structures.
WHY THEY MATTER IN DEVELOPMENT
Approvals and safety depend on qualified design.
WHAT TO VERIFY ABOUT ANY PROFESSIONAL
Registration with their professional body.
HOW
The body's register.
WHY
Practising without registration is common and their work may be invalid.
WHAT TO AGREE IN WRITING
Scope, fees and timelines.
WHAT TO BE CAUTIOUS OF
Professionals recommended by the counterparty Anyone discouraging verification Fees that seem disproportionately low
WHAT TO BUDGET
Professional fees as a necessary cost, not an optional one.
WHY
They are a fraction of what they protect.
