Buying
How to choose a solicitor or conveyancer
1 min read · Updated
The short answer
A conveyancer does the legal work of buying, from checking the contract to moving the money. Get a few quotes that include all the extra costs, check your lender works with them, and choose someone who answers the phone.
What they do
- Check the contract and the title, and raise questions with the seller's side.
- Order the searches, like local authority and drainage.
- Check where your deposit came from, and work with your lender.
- Handle exchange and completion, and pay Stamp Duty for you.
Solicitor or licensed conveyancer?
Both can do the job in England and Wales. Solicitors are regulated by the Solicitors Regulation Authority, licensed conveyancers by the Council for Licensed Conveyancers. In Scotland, solicitors do the conveyancing.
Getting quotes
- Ask for the full cost, including searches and Land Registry fees. Legal fees for a £250,000 home are around £1,730, more for leasehold.
- Check they're on your lender's panel, or you may pay for a second solicitor for the lender.
- Ask who'll handle your case and how they keep you updated.
- No sale, no fee deals can help if things fall through.
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A guide, not financial or legal advice. Rules and rates change, so check with your lender, broker or solicitor. Where our numbers come from.