What is a Conveyancer?
If you’re buying or selling a property in the UK, you’ll need a conveyancer—a legal professional who handles all the legal work and paperwork involved in transferring property ownership.
This includes:
- Conducting local searches
- Handling contracts
- Liaising with the seller’s or buyer’s solicitor
- Managing deposit and transfer of funds
- Registering the property with the Land Registry
You can use a licensed conveyancer or a solicitor who specialises in property law. Both are qualified to handle the job, but not all conveyancers offer the same level of service.
Why Choosing the Right Conveyancer Matters
Choosing the right conveyancer is crucial to ensuring a smooth, timely, and stress-free transaction. A good conveyancer will:
- Keep you updated throughout the process
- Spot legal issues early (like boundary disputes or planning restrictions)
- Help avoid delays with mortgage lenders or local authorities
- Ensure you meet all legal deadlines
On the flip side, a poor choice could lead to unnecessary stress, hidden fees, or even the risk of your purchase falling through.
How to Choose a Conveyancer: What to Look For
✅ 1. Are they regulated and accredited?
Make sure your conveyancer is properly licensed and regulated. In England and Wales:
- Solicitors should be regulated by the Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA)
- Licensed conveyancers should be regulated by the Council for Licensed Conveyancers (CLC)
Also look out for membership in schemes like the Law Society’s Conveyancing Quality Scheme (CQS).
✅ 2. Experience with your type of property
Ask whether they’ve dealt with similar transactions—especially if you’re buying:
- A leasehold or shared ownership home
- A new build property
- Through schemes like Help to Buy or Right to Buy
Specialist knowledge can prevent unexpected legal issues.
✅ 3. Transparent pricing
Conveyancing fees can vary widely. Ask for a clear quote that includes:
- Legal fees
- Disbursements (searches, Land Registry, etc.)
- Stamp Duty Land Tax filing (if applicable)
Be cautious of “too good to be true” cheap deals—these often add extras later or offer poor service.
✅ 4. Communication and responsiveness
Choose someone who responds quickly, communicates clearly, and is easy to contact. You’ll want regular updates, not silence for weeks.
Tip: Try calling or emailing them before committing—see how fast and helpful they are.
✅ 5. Online vs. local conveyancers
Online conveyancers can be cheaper and more convenient, but you may sacrifice the personal touch. Local solicitors often know the area and may offer in-person meetings.
Go with what suits your comfort level—but make sure they’re accessible and responsive either way.
Key Questions to Ask a Potential Conveyancer
- Are you familiar with the type of property I’m buying?
- Will I have a dedicated contact person or case manager?
- What’s included in your fee? Are there any extra costs I should know about?
- How will you keep me updated on progress?
- What’s your average completion time?
When Should You Instruct a Conveyancer?
It’s best to instruct a conveyancer as soon as your offer is accepted—or even earlier if you’re confident you’ll be buying. This helps speed up the process and avoids delays once the ball gets rolling.
Final Thoughts
A property purchase is likely one of the biggest financial decisions you’ll ever make. Choosing the right conveyancer means having someone in your corner to make sure it’s handled correctly, legally, and efficiently.
Whether you go with a high street solicitor or a digital service, just make sure you do your homework, compare quotes, and feel confident they’ll work with you—not just push paper.
Need help finding a trusted conveyancer?
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