Choosing a solicitor / conveyancer
Traditionally, the buying and selling of property was carried out by solicitors. There are now other lawyers who specialise in conveyancing including ‘Licensed Conveyancers’. So I will your lawyer as ‘your conveyancer’.
Like estate agents, conveyancers are broadly either local ‘High Street’ practices or large ‘online’ companies. The differences are very similar to those listed in the previous ‘choosing an estate agent’ blog.
MY ADVICE would be –
Ideal choice – A conveyancer or firm who are personally recommended to you by a family member or friend who has used the firm.
Next best – a firm recommended by the estate agents advertising the property. (This is particularly useful if you are moving into an area you don’t know. The agents will always know which firm is the ‘fastest and most approachable’).
(Beware though; some estate agents are paid to recommend certain firms of conveyancers. Ask if they are paid a ‘referral fee’ by the firm they are recommending).
Online companies are good for those ‘on the go’ and wish to do everything online.
ALWAYS choose a firm that offers fixed fees for conveyancing.
There should be a fixed fee for carrying out the work which should include dealing with your mortgage lender if you have a mortgage.
Check there are no ‘potential’ extra fees in the ‘small print’! “If you have a mortgage / leasehold property etc. we charge £x extra.
The quote should also indicate the ‘abortive’ fee if your sale or purchase does not proceed.
Make sure also that ALL disbursements (fees your conveyancer will have to pay others and will reclaim from you) are listed in the quote.
The fees and other ‘terms and conditions’ should be confirmed in the first letter to you (known as the ‘client care letter’).
Personally I would avoid ‘online comparison’ sites and I would never go with the cheapest quote.
Some quotes look much less than others, but check the overall figure at the end.
Some firms quote a smaller fee for the ‘service’ but then charge additional fees for e.g. filing your stamp duty form and registering the property. (Whereas most firms will include this in their general fees).
(Please see the section on the ‘Legal Process of buying and selling your home).
This provides a detailed guide as to what your conveyancer will do on your behalf and the likely timeline.
This will enable you to understand the process and timeframes and know what documents your conveyancer will need.
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