How to choose the right conveyancing solicitor

Buying a home is likely to be one of the biggest financial commitments you’ll ever make, so it’s no surprise that cost is usually the first thing people look at when picking a conveyancing solicitor. But there’s a big difference between low cost and value for money. The cheapest quote is rarely the most efficient one, and a high price tag doesn’t guarantee a smooth transaction either.

Here’s what actually matters when you’re comparing conveyancing solicitors, and how to avoid the delays and hidden costs that catch people out.

What to consider when choosing a conveyancing solicitor

How solicitors charge, and what to check in a quote

When choosing a solicitor, it’s important to look at how they charge their client. Some (including us) charge fixed fees for conveyancing, whilst other firms charge a percentage based on the purchase price of the property.

When you request a quote, it’s important to ask for it to show all additional costs, such as:

• The conveyancer’s legal fee
• Disbursements, including searches and Land Registry fees
• Stamp Duty Land Tax (SDLT)
• VAT

You should always be cautious of firms that advertise low conveyancing prices, as they will likely have excluded integral costs.

Communication is key

Type ‘cheap conveyancing‘ into a search engine and you’ll be presented with a list of online and bulk conveyancers. With these, your transaction will likely be dealt with in a call centre, and your case passed between people. As a result, communication can be slow going, and the quality of service often suffers. In a long chain, that kind of delay can make the difference between exchanging on time and losing the property.

With Barcan and Kirby, your transaction is managed by one experienced conveyancer, so you’ll always have a point of contact. They’ll provide regular updates throughout the process and will be on hand to answer your questions. Conveyancing involves coordinating mortgage lenders, estate agents, other solicitors in the chain, and sometimes local authorities, all working to different timelines. A single point of contact who knows your file inside out is what keeps things moving when something needs chasing.

Recommendation

If you’ve never used a solicitor before, a personal recommendation from family or friends is a good starting point and can be an indicator of quality.

Alternatively, take a look at the firm’s reviews and client testimonials or consult the Law Society’s regional directory for a list of solicitors in your area.

Knowledge of the local area

Whilst the majority of dealings with your conveyancer will be over the phone and email, instructing a local solicitor with good knowledge of the area and an understanding of the market is beneficial.

Feeling comfortable

Of course, there’s no substitute for instinct, so if you find a solicitor that you trust, go with them. They’ll be handling what is probably your largest investment to date, so it’s important that you feel comfortable enough to ask questions.

What’s changed in conveyancing recently

• Digital ID verification is now standard. You’ll be asked to verify your identity electronically as part of anti-money laundering checks, rather than posting or bringing in original documents. Our team will talk you through this.
• Local authority search times vary significantly by area. Some councils return searches within days, and others can take several weeks. You can ask your solicitor about current estimated turnaround times in the relevant area early on.
• Being regulated and locally accountable still matters. Purely online conveyancers can be based anywhere, with no local office to visit if something goes wrong. A firm that’s regulated by the Solicitors Regulation Authority and has a physical presence gives you somewhere to go if you need to raise a concern in person.

Further information

For a free quote, complete our short form. Our charges are transparent, and we quote for all fees and disbursements up front, meaning that you’ll understand the full extent of your conveyancing charges from the very start.

If you’d like further advice from our conveyancing solicitors in Bristol about buying or selling property, call us on 0117 325 2929.