How to choose the right conveyancing solicitor
Your guide to finding a legal expert who makes buying or selling your home a breeze.
Among the excitement of house hunting and mortgage applications, there’s a vital legal step you’ll need to navigate – conveyancing. This is the legal process of transferring property ownership from one person to another.
While it may sound complex, choosing the right conveyancing solicitor doesn’t have to be difficult. The right legal expert can even help make the whole process smoother, faster, and far less stressful. Here’s how you can find the right lawyer for your needs.
What does a conveyancing solicitor actually do?
Your conveyancing solicitor handles all the legal paperwork and checks involved in buying or selling a property. This includes things like:
- Conducting searches: Checking for local planning permissions, environmental factors, and drainage.
- Managing contracts: Drafting and exchanging contracts with the other party’s solicitor.
- Handling the finances: Transferring money for the deposit and full purchase price.
- Registering ownership: Logging a record of the new ownership with the Land Registry.
- Dealing with Stamp Duty Land Tax (SDLT): Taking care of the admin related to paying this for you (you’ll reimburse them).
Essentially, they’re your legal guide, ensuring everything is above board and completed correctly.
Why is choosing the ‘right’ one so important?
The solicitor you choose could significantly affect your home-buying or selling experience. A good one will keep you informed, respond quickly, and proactively tackle any issues. This isn’t just about cost, it’s about peace of mind and a smooth transaction.
7 key factors to consider when choosing your solicitor
1. Specialisation and experience
It’s a good idea to go for a solicitor or firm that specialises in conveyancing. Property law is complex, so you want someone who handles it day in, day out. Asking them how many property transactions they complete each year is a good way to figure out their level of experience.
2. Communication
Buying a home involves a lot of updates. How will they communicate with you? Do they offer online portals, email, or prefer phone calls? How quickly do they typically respond? Regular, clear communication can help reduce a lot of anxiety during the process.
3. Transparent fees
Cost is, of course, a factor. Ask for a clear, itemised quote upfront that outlines all fees, including third-party costs like search fees. Watch out for quotes that seem too low or are vague. If you want absolute certainty, look for a solicitor that charges a fixed fee.
4. Communication
Never underestimate the power of word-of-mouth recommendations. Ask friends, family, or your mortgage broker for referrals. Look at online reviews on independent sites to get a sense of their reputation and client experiences.
5. Accreditations
Check if the firm holds accreditations like the Conveyancing Quality Scheme (CQS) from the Law Society. This shows they meet high standards of practice and client service.
6. Local vs online firms
These days, your solicitor doesn’t necessarily need to be based in your local area. As long as you can get to a post box to post legal documents, you can use a solicitor based anywhere in the UK, or one that’s entirely remote.
7. Your mortgage broker’s insight
If you’re using a mortgage broker (which we highly recommend for navigating the mortgage market), they often have experience with various conveyancing firms and can offer valuable insights or recommendations based on their professional relationships.
Questions to ask a potential solicitor:
What is included in your fee? Are there any extra costs?
What’s your typical response time for queries?
How will I receive updates on my case?
What experience do you have with properties like mine (e.g., leasehold, new build)?
What happens if my sale or purchase falls through? Do I still pay fees?
Red flags to watch out for:
Unclear or vague fees: A reputable firm will provide a detailed quote.
Poor communication: If they’re slow to respond during your initial enquiry, it could be a sign of things to come.
Pressuring you to make quick decisions: Take your time to compare options.
No online presence or reviews: While not always a deal-breaker, it can make it harder to gauge their reputation.
Remember, a great solicitor works hand-in-hand with your mortgage journey.
Ready to take the next step towards your new home? Get in touch with Moneybox Mortgages!
Your home may be repossessed if you do not keep up repayments on your mortgage.
Provided by Moneybox Mortgages Ltd.