How to choose a conveyancer: A guide to finding the best solicitor

Key takeaways

• Verify that your conveyancer is regulated by the Law Society or the Council for Licensed Conveyancers.
• Prioritise firms that offer fixed fees and a clear breakdown of all disbursements.
• Check recent customer reviews to gauge their responsiveness and communication style.
• Use an online comparison tool to view multiple quotes and service ratings in one place.

How to choose a conveyancer for your move?

To choose the right conveyancer, you should compare their professional credentials, communication methods, and fee structures. Look for firms regulated by the Law Society or the Council for Licensed Conveyancers that offer fixed fees and transparent service timelines.

Selecting the right legal partner is one of the most important decisions you will make during the home moving process. A proactive conveyancer can be the difference between a move that completes in twelve weeks and one that drags on for six months. You should start by deciding whether you want a local firm you can visit in person or a larger national firm that often uses sophisticated online portals to manage cases.

While local knowledge can be helpful for specific regional land issues, modern technology means that national firms are often more efficient. The most important factor is their regulatory status. In England and Wales, you will typically choose between a solicitor or a licensed conveyancer. Both are fully qualified to handle property law, but their regulatory bodies differ. You can read more about this in our guide on the difference between a property solicitor vs conveyancer.

Pro tip: Check if the firm has the Law Society Conveyancing Quality Scheme (CQS) accreditation. This is a best practice quality mark that signals a high standard of service and technical expertise.

What is the difference between a licensed conveyancer and a solicitor?

A solicitor is a broad legal professional who may handle various areas of law, while a licensed conveyancer specialises exclusively in property transactions. Both are fully qualified to manage your home sale or purchase under UK law.

Solicitors are regulated by the Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA) and often have a wider range of legal knowledge that can be useful if your move involves complex probate issues or matrimonial disputes. Licensed conveyancers are regulated by the Council for Licensed Conveyancers (CLC). Because they specialise solely in property, they are often very efficient at handling standard residential transactions.

When you are looking for the best conveyancer, their specific job title matters less than their experience with your type of property. For example, if you are buying a leasehold flat or a new build home, you need someone who understands the specific complexities of those contracts. Our complete guide to conveyancing provides a deeper look into the specific tasks these professionals perform during your move.

How to compare conveyancing quotes effectively?

To compare conveyancing quotes effectively, you must look beyond the headline price and check for hidden costs. Ensure the quote is a fixed fee and includes a full breakdown of disbursements like search fees and Land Registry charges.

Price is a major factor, but the cheapest quote is not always the best value. Some firms lure customers in with a low basic fee and then add extra charges for things like filling out a Stamp Duty return or dealing with a mortgage lender. When you use Moving Compared to find conveyancers and get conveyancing quotes, we aim for transparency so you can see the total expected cost upfront.

Disbursements are costs paid to third parties, such as local authority searches or HM Land Registry fees. These should be roughly the same across different quotes. If one quote has significantly lower disbursements, they might be leaving out essential searches that you will have to pay for later. You can find more detail on what to expect in our article on conveyancing fees.

Pro tip: Always ask if the quote is on a no completion, no fee basis. This protects you financially if the property chain collapses through no fault of your own.

Why is communication important when choosing a conveyancer?

Communication is vital because property moves rely on speed and coordination between multiple parties. A conveyancer who is difficult to reach can cause delays that lead to a sale falling through or missing a mortgage offer deadline.

When you are researching firms, look at their reviews specifically for mentions of how quickly they return calls and emails. Many modern firms now offer online portals or mobile apps where you can track the progress of your case in real time without needing to call for an update.

During your initial enquiry, take note of how they handle your call. If they are slow to provide a quote or seem too busy to answer basic questions, this is often a sign of how they will handle your file once the work begins. It is often worth paying a little more for a firm that guarantees a dedicated file handler who knows the details of your move personally.

What questions should you ask a conveyancing solicitor before hiring?

You should ask about their experience with similar properties, who will be handling your case daily, and their current workload. Understanding their typical turnaround times and how they handle complications will help you assess their suitability for your move.

Before you sign a contract, it is helpful to have a quick conversation to ensure they are the right fit. You might want to ask how they prefer to communicate and what their policy is for handling urgent matters. If you are a first-time buyer, you may need a professional who is willing to explain the process in more detail than a seasoned investor would require.

We have compiled a list of 10 questions to ask your conveyancing solicitor to help you vet potential candidates. These questions cover everything from their professional indemnity insurance to how they manage the exchange of contracts. Being thorough at this stage prevents surprises later in the process.

How do online reviews help you find the best conveyancer?

Online reviews provide honest insights into the real-world performance of a conveyancing firm. They highlight potential red flags like hidden fees or poor communication that you might not see on a firm's own website.

While a firm will always present itself in the best light, platforms like Trustpilot or Google reviews show the experiences of actual clients. Look for patterns in the feedback. If multiple people mention that a firm is slow to respond to the other side's solicitors, it could indicate that they are overstretched. However, remember that conveyancing is a stressful process and people are more likely to leave a review when things go wrong. Look for a firm with a high volume of positive reviews and see how they respond to the occasional negative one. A professional response to a complaint is often a good sign of a firm that takes customer service seriously.

How can Moving Compared help you choose a conveyancer?

Moving Compared simplifies the process by providing a platform where you can instantly compare quotes from regulated conveyancers. We provide transparent pricing and service ratings to help you make an informed choice in minutes.

Instead of calling dozens of different firms and waiting days for quotes, our comparison tool gives you immediate access to a range of professionals. We focus on helping you find the best conveyancer for your specific needs, whether you are buying, selling, or remortgaging.

Our service does not stop at legal work. We also help you find surveyors to check the condition of your new home and removals companies to get your belongings there safely. By bringing all these core services into one place, we remove the fragmentation and stress of planning a move. You can explore our advice and guides page for more tips on every stage of the journey.

Final summary

Choosing a conveyancer requires a balance of checking professional credentials, ensuring price transparency, and verifying their reputation for communication. By looking for regulated professionals who offer fixed fees and modern tracking tools, you can significantly reduce the stress of your property transaction. Moving Compared is here to make this process easier by allowing you to compare the market in seconds.

Get a conveyancing quote today.