If you’re buying or selling a home in Thetford, one of your first jobs will be choosing a conveyancer. And with so many options available, it’s easy to feel unsure about the best route to take.
Here’s a simple breakdown of what factory conveyancing actually is, how it compares to bespoke conveyancing, and what to look out for when choosing the right service for your move.
What is conveyancing?
Conveyancing is the legal process of transferring ownership of a property from the seller to the buyer. It includes checks on the property, preparing contracts, handling searches and registering the final paperwork with HM Land Registry.
What is factory conveyancing?
Factory conveyancing refers to bulk conveyancing services that handle hundreds, sometimes thousands, of transactions at any one time. Much of the work is carried out by administrative teams and automated systems rather than a dedicated solicitor.
The appeal is the price. These services are usually cheap because they focus on volume.
How is bespoke conveyancing different?
Bespoke conveyancing is the traditional approach. You work directly with a qualified solicitor or specialist who manages your case from start to finish.
You get a named contact, someone who understands the finer details of your sale or purchase and can deal with any complexities along the way.
Pros and cons
Factory conveyancing wins on price. If you’re looking for the cheapest option, it is hard to beat.
But the low cost comes with trade-offs. Service tends to be less personal, and it can be difficult to speak to the right person when you need answers quickly.
If your property is unusual, leasehold, has title issues or sits in a long chain, the lack of hands-on expertise can slow things down or cause complications.
The Legal Ombudsman has previously raised concerns about factory-style services and the risks that come with a focus on cost over care.
Bespoke conveyancing costs more, but you’re paying for personal attention and experience. Everything tends to run more smoothly, and you have someone you can contact directly if questions or challenges arise.
Tips for choosing the right conveyancer
Price matters, but service matters more. Before you instruct anyone, ask:
• Are they experienced in your type of property?
• Do they foresee any issues that could affect timing?
• How easily can you contact the person managing your file?
• What are their reviews like?
Recommendations from friends, family or your estate agent can also be invaluable.
A factory service may be fine for a simple, straightforward transaction. But for most buyers and sellers, a personalised, experienced approach offers better peace of mind and fewer delays.
Doing business the ethical way
We are proud members of the Ethical Agent Network, a national group of independent agents who have been independently tested for their standards of honesty, service, professionalism and community care.
We are the only local agency to have met the EAN’s strict criteria, and we are committed to doing things properly from start to finish.
If you’re planning a move and would like advice on choosing the right conveyancer, we’re here to help.
Article by Andrew Overman | Partner | Location Location East
