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Conveyancing on the cut

Buying or selling a boat privately can be exciting – but it can also feel daunting. That is where ABNB’s conveyancing service comes in. We provide a professional, independent service to guide both buyer and seller through the bewildering paperwork stage of the process, covering title documents, Recreational Craft Directive/Recreational Craft Regulations (RCD/RCR) and VAT.

Why use a conveyancing service?

Unlike buying through a broker, private sales do not come with the same checks, safeguards, or paperwork. Our bespoke service gives peace of mind by:

  • Handling the paperwork – from acceptance through to completion. We provide ABYA approved legal contracts for both buyer and seller, plus a bill of sale to legally transfer title.
  • Protecting funds - all monies are held in our secure designated client account. Deposits and purchase funds are only released once you confirm you wish to proceed. On completion, funds are promptly transferred to the seller, with an invoice provided. If marine finance is involved, we can liaise directly with the marine finance house.
  • Checking title – ensuring the seller is the rightful owner. We review the title documents, highlight any omissions, and advise what should be requested before purchase.
  • Reviewing RCD/RCR compliance - for boats built after June 1998, we review available Recreational Craft Directive documentation.
  • Meeting Anti-Money Laundering requirements – we carry out ID checks, asking for photographic ID and proof of address.

Who might use this service?

Our conveyancing service can be used by either the buyer or seller in a private boat sale. The party who instructs us is considered our client and is responsible for our fees. If both the buyer and seller would like to benefit from our involvement, we can still facilitate the process, but only one party may formally instruct us. The other party will be asked to confirm that they understand we are not acting on their behalf, but we are providing an impartial administrative service to help progress the sale smoothly. In more complex cases (such as leased moorings, disputes, or where a mortgage or lien exists on the vessel), we may recommend that you seek independent legal advice.

Why choose ABNB?

With over 30 years in the inland waterways market, ABNB has built a reputation for trust and professionalism. Emma Green, a full member of the Association of Brokers and Yacht Agents (ABYA) oversees our conveyancing service.

ABYA members follow a strict code of practice, which includes:

  • Holding client funds in a designated client account
  • Carrying out Anti-Money Laundering checks
  • Verifying title documentation, RCD/RCR compliance, and VAT status
  • Holding professional indemnity and public liability insurance

At ABNB, our team combines in-depth knowledge of narrowboats and widebeams with the practical know-how to ensure your private sale is handled smoothly and securely.

Important note

ABNB’s conveyancing service is not a substitute for legal advice. We are not solicitors or licensed conveyancers, and we do not provide legal services. What we do provide is a specialist, professional service for boat sales, following the strict code of practice of the Association of Brokers and Yacht Agents (ABYA) and the standards of British Marine.

Fees

The fee for our standard conveyancing service is £1,000 + VAT
If marine finance is the source of funds, the fee will be £1,250 + VAT
If we are instructed to assist with post-survey negotiations, which will include drawing up an addendum to the Sale and Purchase Agreement, the fee will be £1,500 + VAT
Additional fees will apply if the sale or purchase is in the course of business