You’ll need to choose a solicitor or conveyancer as soon as you’ve agreed an offer, as they will oversee the process that transfers the legal ownership of the property you are buying or selling. But how do you find the right solicitor or conveyancer?

What is the difference between a solicitor and conveyancer?

Both solicitors and Licensed Conveyancers are fully regulated and insured. In terms of handling your property transaction they will operate to almost identical conveyancing practices and procedures. However it’s worth noting the main differences, because you’re likely to see a price difference when you compare conveyancing quotes.

• Licensed conveyancers are specialist property lawyers, focusing largely on residential property, progressing transactions like yours every day.
• A solicitor is a qualified lawyer, with extensive training in many aspects of law, and can offer full legal services such as divorce proceedings or taking someone to court.
• Engaging a solicitor to undertake conveyancing rather than a conveyancer may therefore cost more.

A fully qualified solicitor may be the best choice if you are dealing with difficult transactions. For example, if there’s a boundary dispute or if the sellers are getting divorced, using a solicitor with knowledge beyond property conveyancing law would be necessary. But in most cases, a conveyancer will be able to handle your transaction from beginning to end.

How to find a solicitor or conveyancer?

The best way to find the right conveyancer or solicitor for your purchase, is to make sure you shop around and compare conveyancing solicitor quotes.

When narrowing your shortlist, look at the reputation of the conveyancer or solicitor and not just their fees.

Estate agents will often recommend a local solicitor or conveyancer. But it is worth comparing quotes to make sure you are getting good value for money. You are not under any obligation to use your estate agent’s conveyancing solicitor.

It’s wise to be aware of the common pitfalls, so you can keep this in mind when you’re looking for the right conveyancer.

The common frustrations include:

• The conveyancing process involves a lot of paperwork and it is vital that all aspects are correctly completed. If the solicitor or conveyancer is not diligent and efficient in sending off the right bits of paper at the right time, they can cause considerable delays to the process.
• Some solicitors and conveyancers can be difficult to get hold of, making it hard to track how your case is going, or to get any questions answered. This can be particularly the case with solicitors who undertake other work outside of conveyancing which may mean they are in Court or in and out of the office which can hinder client communication. Conveyancers are often office based, which can enable better client communication.

You can avoid falling foul of these frustrations by asking the right questions before you instruct, and choosing your conveyancer carefully.

Check fees are itemised with no hidden costs

Check that cheap conveyancing solicitor quotes aren’t missing hidden costs. Do your research and make sure you are aware of what the final bill will be.

Whatever you do, avoid solicitors/conveyancers who charge an hourly rate, and be wary of any quote that does not fully itemise all charges.

Many conveyancing solicitors will operate on a no sale, no fee basis which means that if the sale or purchase of your property falls through you won’t have to pay their legal fees. It is also sometimes called no completion, no fee.