When people think about moving home, they naturally focus on finding the right buyer, securing their next property, or obtaining a mortgage.
But one of the most important decisions you’ll make often receives far less attention.
Choosing the right conveyancer.
Whether you’re buying, selling or doing both at the same time, your conveyancer will handle the legal side of the transaction. And while every conveyancer works towards the same end goal, the quality of service can vary enormously.
In fact, choosing the right one can make the difference between a smooth transaction and months of unnecessary frustration.
Start looking earlier than you think
One of the biggest mistakes people make is waiting until a sale has been agreed before choosing a conveyancer.
By then, valuable time can already have been lost.
Ideally, sellers and buyers should start researching conveyancers as soon as they decide to move. That way, once an offer is agreed, everything can progress immediately.
Recommendations still matter
Personal recommendations remain one of the best ways to find a good conveyancer.
Friends, family and trusted professionals can often point you towards firms they’ve had positive experiences with.
Comparison websites can also be useful, but price alone should never be the deciding factor.
When it comes to conveyancing, the cheapest quote doesn’t always deliver the best experience.
Solicitor or licensed conveyancer?
Many people aren’t aware there are two main types of property lawyer.
Solicitors
Solicitors are regulated by the Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA) and can undertake a wide range of legal work beyond conveyancing.
Licensed conveyancers
Licensed conveyancers are specialists regulated by the Council for Licensed Conveyancers (CLC). Their work is focused specifically on property transactions.
Both can provide excellent service.
The key is not necessarily which qualification they hold, but how efficiently and proactively they operate.
Local versus factory conveyancing
One of the biggest decisions is whether to use a traditional local firm or a larger online conveyancing operation.
Online conveyancers can often appear cheaper.
However, the service may be handled by multiple departments or teams, meaning clients don’t always have a single point of contact.
Local firms often cost a little more, but many clients value having:
- A named individual dealing with their file
- Direct telephone access
- Local knowledge
- Face-to-face meetings when required
Neither approach is automatically right or wrong.
But understanding the differences can help you make a more informed decision.
First impressions are important
How a conveyancer responds to your initial enquiry can tell you a great deal.
If obtaining a quotation proves difficult or communication is slow before you’ve even instructed them, that should ring alarm bells.
After all, if responsiveness is lacking at the beginning, it’s unlikely to improve once your file joins hundreds of others.
Be upfront about complications
Property transactions aren’t always straightforward.
Divorce, probate, boundary issues, gifted deposits and leasehold complexities can all affect the legal process.
It’s always better to explain any potential complications from the outset so your conveyancer can prepare accordingly.
Surprises rarely speed transactions up.
Understand exactly what you’re paying for
Conveyancing quotations should always be provided in writing.
They should clearly separate:
- Legal fees
- Search fees
- Land Registry charges
- Bank transfer costs
- Other disbursements
It’s also worth checking whether the firm offers a “no sale, no fee” arrangement, as this can provide reassurance if a transaction unexpectedly falls through.
Buyers should check lender panels
This is a small detail that can cause major delays.
If you’re purchasing with a mortgage, your conveyancer needs to be approved by your lender.
If they aren’t, another firm may need to be involved, adding extra time and complexity to the process.
Help your conveyancer help you
Once instructed, one of the simplest ways to keep things moving is to respond quickly.
Conveyancers will require:
- Identification documents
- Source of funds information
- Property information forms
- Replies to enquiries
Delays in providing information are one of the most common reasons transactions slow down.
Conveyancing doesn’t have to be painful
There’s no denying that conveyancing can sometimes feel slow and frustrating.
Property transactions involve multiple parties, lenders, searches and legal processes that simply take time.
But choosing the right conveyancer and staying organised yourself can dramatically improve the experience.
As founding members of the Ethical Agent Network and members of its advisory panel, we believe moving home works best when everyone involved communicates openly and works collaboratively. That’s why we place huge importance on recommending professionals who share those same values.
Because while no conveyancer can guarantee a perfectly stress-free move, the right one can make the journey significantly smoother.
And when you’re making one of life’s biggest decisions, that support is worth its weight in gold.
Article by Andrew Overman | Partner | Location Location East
