How to Choose a Conveyancer: Save Time, Money & Stress
Buying or selling a house in the UK? Discover how to choose the perfect conveyancer and save time, money, and stress. Our expert articke reveals:
- The 3 critical questions to ask any conveyancer that could save you thousands in hidden fees
- The insider's timeline: How to cut weeks off your property transaction
- The ultimate conveyancer vetting checklist: Ensure you're working with a true professional, not a potential fraudster
What is Conveyancing?
Conveyancing is transferring property from one person to another under property law. The parties involved in conveyancing are the sellers, buyers, lenders, and the conveyancing solicitor.
As a first-time property buyer, you may have two questions: What is conveyancing, and what makes an experienced conveyancing solicitor? A seasoned conveyancing solicitor can provide the reassurance and guidance you need during this significant transaction.
The key parties in conveyancing are:
- Sellers: Those who are transferring their property
- Buyers: Those who are adding to their property portfolio or buying a new home
- Lenders: Financial institutions, typically banks, that provide the necessary funds
- Conveyancing Solicitor: The professional who manages the legal aspects of the property transfer and ensures everything proceeds smoothly
Why do I Need a Conveyancer or Solicitor?
Finding the right conveyancer is as essential as finding the right estate agent. A conveyancing solicitor handles the property transfer for you.
Your conveyancing solicitor will play a different role depending on what you are in the transaction.
A Conveyancers Role for Buyers
For the buyers, the conveyancer ensures that every property is within their capacity. He checks and gives the buyer all the information needed to organise their survey.
The buyer creates a survey to discuss the terms with their lender if they are using a mortgage. A survey examines the condition of the property. A good conveyancing solicitor will provide expert guidance on the property survey.
Related: The conveyancing process for buyers
A Conveyancers Role for Sellers
For the sellers, the conveyancing solicitor ensures proper completion of the seller’s property information forms to the seller for completion.
The buyer and the seller may get their conveyancing solicitor to offer them a personal service and protect their rights in the transaction.
Related: The conveyancing process for sellers
There are many differences that you should take note of. Let us share the information in our table below:
Depending on who you are at the transaction, the conveyancer you hire should always be on your side.
Key Tasks Your Conveyancer Handles for You
Your conveyancer is there to guide you through the process, handling crucial tasks that ensure a smooth and legally sound transfer of property. Here's a comprehensive look at what your conveyancer does for you:
- Contract Negotiation and Review
- Thoroughly examines the sale contract to protect your interests
- Negotiates terms with the other party's conveyancer
- Explains complex legal jargon in plain language
- Property Searches
- Conducts essential searches to uncover potential issues, including:
- Local authority searches for planning permissions and restrictions
- Environmental searches for contamination or flood risks
- Water and drainage searches
- Land registry searches for ownership verification
- Conducts essential searches to uncover potential issues, including:
- Approval of Terms
- Reviews and approves all terms of the sale
- Ensures all conditions are met before proceeding
- Advises you on any potential risks or concerns
- Mortgage and Loan Offer Management
- Liaises with your mortgage lender
- Reviews the mortgage offer to ensure it aligns with the purchase
- Handles all communication between you and the lender
- Property Transfer Process
- Prepares and oversees the transfer of ownership documents
- Ensures all legal requirements are met for a valid transfer
- Manages the exchange of contracts
- Land Registry Formalities
- Handles all necessary Land Registry paperwork
- Ensures the property is correctly registered in your name
- Deals with any queries or issues raised by the Land Registry
- Financial Transactions
- Manages the transfer of funds securely
- Calculates and handles stamp duty payments
- Provides detailed accounts of all financial transactions
- Legal Advice and Support
- Offers expert guidance throughout the entire process
- Explains legal implications of decisions
- Provides solutions to any legal issues that arise
- Timeline Management
- Keeps the process moving forward efficiently
- Chases other parties for responses and actions
- Keeps you informed of progress and next steps
- Post-Completion Tasks
- Ties up loose ends after the sale is complete
- Ensures all necessary documents are filed and recorded
- Handles any final queries or issues that may arise
Why Hiring a Professional Conveyancer is Important
While it might be tempting to handle these tasks yourself to save money, the complexities of property law and the high stakes involved make professional help invaluable. Here's why:
- Expertise: Conveyancers have in-depth knowledge of property law and current regulations.
- Time-saving: They efficiently handle time-consuming tasks, allowing you to focus on other aspects of your move.
- Risk reduction: Their experience helps identify and mitigate potential legal and financial risks.
- Stress reduction: Professional handling of complex processes gives you peace of mind.
- Cost-effective: While there's a fee involved, potential savings from avoiding mistakes or delays often outweigh the cost.
How to Choose The Right Conveyancer?
Choosing the right conveyancer is crucial, especially given that conveyancing fraud in the UK has increased by 29%. To help you make an informed decision, consider these six key factors:
1) Check Their License
Before engaging a conveyancer, always verify their license. This step is critical for both buyers and sellers.
- A Lloyds Bank study found that conveyancing fraud victims lost an average of £47,000, with 45% of victims aged 39 or under.
- In 2023, buyers and sellers lost a staggering £1.7 billion due to dealings with fraudulent individuals.
To verify a conveyancer's license:
- Visit the UK Lawyers website: Search by name or organisation and location.
- Check the Council of Licensed Conveyancers (CLC) website for firm information.
- Consult the Solicitors Regulation Authority, which oversees all UK solicitors and legal services.
2) Check Reviews and Regulations
A conveyancer's reputation is crucial. Look for:
- Positive reviews from previous clients
- Affiliation with reputable property specialists
- Oversight by recognised regulatory bodies such as:
- National Association of Property Buyers
- Property Ombudsman
- Trading Standards
3) Check Recommendations and Experience
- Look beyond simple reviews to the conveyancer's years of experience.
- Consider established firms with a proven track record in UK property transactions.
4) For Buyers: Check With The Mortgage Lender
If you're applying for a mortgage:
- Verify that your chosen conveyancer is on the mortgage lender's panel.
- Be prepared to pay extra bank representation fees (potentially £200+) if your conveyancer isn't on the panel.
5) For Sellers: Check the Contract Pack
Ensure your conveyancer can effectively manage the contract pack, which includes:
- Draft Sale Contract
- Title of the Property
- Seller's property information form
A competent conveyancer should handle this paperwork efficiently, saving you time and stress.
6) Trust Your Instincts
After considering all the above factors:
- Choose a conveyancer whose communication style and energy align with yours.
- Prioritise professionals who demonstrate organisation and attentiveness.
- Remember, a good working relationship is crucial for a smooth property transaction.
Related: Can I do my own conveyancing?
What to Know Before Hiring a Conveyancer
After reviewing general considerations, ask yourself these specific questions:
- Is the Conveyancer's Location Important to You?
While it's not essential for your conveyancer to be local, consider:
- Familiarity with local property laws and regulations
- Ease of communication and meetings (if in-person meetings are important to you)
- Knowledge of the local property market, especially useful when buying or selling
- What's Your Budget for Conveyancing Services?
Budget is a crucial factor, but remember:
- The cheapest option isn't always the best value
- Consider what's included in the fee package
- Look for transparency in pricing and potential additional costs
When comparing conveyancing fees:
- Request detailed breakdowns of costs from multiple firms
- Understand what services are included and what might incur extra charges
- Consider the overall value, not just the bottom line
- What Do Reviews Say About the Conveyancer?
While considering prices, also evaluate:
- Client testimonials and online reviews
- Ratings on legal service review platforms
- Any awards or recognitions the firm has received
Remember, a higher price might be justified by exceptional service and expertise.
- How Dedicated and Responsive is the Conveyancer?
The conveyancing process typically takes 2-3 months. To ensure a smooth experience:
- Look for firms that promise quick response times to queries
- Ask about their communication methods (email, phone, online portal)
- Inquire about the size and dedication of their team
- What's Their Level of Expertise in Your Type of Transaction?
- Different property transactions (e.g., leasehold, new build, auction properties) require different expertise
- Ask about their experience with your specific type of transaction
- Inquire about their success rate and average timeframes for similar cases
- What Additional Services Do They Offer?
- Some conveyancers offer extra services like property surveys or mortgage advice
- Consider whether a 'one-stop-shop' approach would be beneficial for your situation
- Understand any partnerships they have with other professionals in the property sector
By carefully considering these factors, you'll be better equipped to choose a conveyancer who meets your specific needs and ensures a smooth property transaction.
Related: How to make a complaint about a poor conveyancing service
Final Thoughts: How Do You Make The Right Choice?
Selecting the right conveyancer is crucial for a smooth property transaction. Keep these key points in mind:
- Verify Credentials: Check licenses and regulatory compliance.
- Evaluate Value: Don't just opt for the cheapest; consider the range of services offered.
- Prioritise Communication: Choose a responsive conveyancer who keeps you informed.
- Seek Relevant Expertise: Ensure they have experience with your type of transaction.
- Trust Your Instincts: A good working relationship is vital.
- Consider Technology: Look for firms offering online portals for easy updates.
- Be Prepared: Understand the process typically takes 2-3 months and stay engaged.
Remember, the right conveyancer is a partner in your property journey, not just a service provider. They should offer expertise, efficiency, and peace of mind throughout the process.
