The solicitor comparison guide

Key takeaways

• Look for transparency in disbursements to avoid surprise bills later in the process.
• Verify regulatory status with the Law Society or Council for Licensed Conveyancers.
• Prioritise firms with the Conveyancing Quality Scheme accreditation for peace of mind.
• Use comparison tools to see real-time pricing and service ratings from other movers.

Why should you compare conveyancers?

Comparing conveyancers helps ensure you get a fair price while securing a professional who communicates effectively. It helps you identify firms with the right expertise for your specific property type, reducing the risk of transaction delays or complications.

Instructing a solicitor or licensed conveyancer is a legal requirement for most property transactions in the UK, especially if you are using a mortgage. According to HM Land Registry, the average time to complete a property purchase has increased in recent years, making the efficiency of your legal representative more important than ever. By taking the time to compare conveyancers, you can filter for those who have a proven track record of meeting deadlines and keeping clients informed.

At Moving Compare, you can view multiple quotes side by side. This transparency lets you see how different firms stack up in terms of base fees and reputation. While price is a significant factor, the cheapest option may not always provide the level of service required for a complex sale or purchase. Look for a balance between cost and quality to keep your move on track — our guide on choosing a conveyancer can help you make this choice.

Pro tip: Check if the firm uses a modern case management system. This often lets you track your move's progress online or via an app, which can significantly reduce the need for phone calls and emails.

How do you compare conveyancing quotes accurately?

To compare quotes accurately, ensure each breakdown includes the basic legal fee, VAT, and a full list of disbursements. Look for a fixed-fee conveyancing structure to prevent costs from escalating if the legal work becomes more complex.

Pro tip: We recommend reading our guide on understanding conveyancing fees for a more in-depth overview of fees and breakdowns.

When you compare conveyancing quotes, you will notice two main parts to the cost. The first is the legal fee, which is what the solicitor charges for their time and expertise. The second part consists of disbursements, which are third-party costs the solicitor pays on your behalf. These include things like Land Registry fees, local authority searches, and stamp duty filings.

It is essential to ensure that every quote you look at is comprehensive. Some firms might provide a low headline fee but then add essential disbursements later. A reliable quote should be transparent from the start. You can use the Moving Compared conveyancing quotes tool to get a clear breakdown of these costs from regulated professionals. This helps you avoid the frustration of receiving a final bill that is much higher than the initial estimate.

What are the common hidden conveyancing costs to watch for?

Hidden costs often appear as supplemental fees for tasks like processing a gifted deposit, handling a Help to Buy ISA, or dealing with leasehold complexities. Always check the terms for admin fees related to bank transfers or identity verification.

While the Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA) and the Council for Licensed Conveyancers (CLC) require firms to be transparent about pricing, some hidden costs can still catch buyers off guard. These are often listed in the small print as additional work fees. For example, if you are buying a leasehold property, the solicitor will have to do extra work to review the lease agreement and communicate with the freeholder. This usually incurs an extra charge.

Other common extras include fees for filing a Stamp Duty Land Tax return, dealing with a mortgage lender, or verifying your source of funds. If you are receiving financial help from parents, most solicitors will charge a gifted deposit fee to cover the additional anti-money laundering checks required. When choosing a conveyancer, ask for a full list of potential additional fees so you can budget accurately for your move.

Pro tip: Always ask for a sample contract or a full terms and conditions document before instructing. This will list every possible additional fee that could be applied to your file.

How do different conveyancing services compare in price and style?

Legal fees usually fall between £800 and £2,000 depending on the firm's size and location. While national firms often provide lower rates through technology, local solicitors may charge more for a personalised, in-person service for complex transactions.

Choosing between different types of legal professionals involves weighing up cost against the level of personal contact you require. A national firm might handle thousands of cases a month, using sophisticated software to keep costs down and speed up the process. In contrast, a local high street solicitor might offer a more bespoke service where you can drop off documents in person, though this often comes with a higher price tag.

These figures represent the legal fee for a standard freehold purchase. If you are buying a leasehold property or using a shared ownership scheme, you should expect these costs to increase to reflect the additional legal work involved. Using the Moving Compared conveyancing quotes tool allows you to see these differences in real time, helping you decide which model fits your budget and your preferred way of working.

Pro tip: If you are in a rush to complete, a national firm with a large team might be better equipped to handle your case if a specific staff member goes on holiday, whereas a small local firm might have a single point of failure.

How do you choose a conveyancer based on service quality?

Independent reviews best judge service quality, along with the firm's responsiveness during the quote stage and its professional accreditations. A solicitor who answers your initial queries promptly is more likely to maintain good communication throughout the legal process.

Price is only one part of the equation. A slow or unresponsive solicitor can cause a chain to collapse, which could cost you thousands of pounds in lost fees. When you compare conveyancers, look for the Law Society Conveyancing Quality Scheme (CQS) logo. This accreditation is a mark of excellence and shows that the firm meets high standards in property law.

You should also look at recent customer feedback on independent review platforms. Pay attention to comments regarding communication and speed. If multiple reviewers mention that it was difficult to reach their solicitor, it may be a sign that the firm is overstretched. At Moving Compared, we include service ratings to help you make an informed choice based on other home movers' experiences.

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

The SRA regulates solicitors, who offer broad legal expertise, while licensed conveyancers are specialists regulated by the CLC and focus solely on property law. Both are fully qualified to handle your home sale or purchase in England. Both types of professionals can handle a standard domestic property transaction. A solicitor is a general lawyer who may also handle wills, probate, or family law, whereas a licensed conveyancer is a specialist who only deals with property. In many large firms, a conveyancing executive may handle your case under the supervision of a qualified solicitor or conveyancer.

The choice often comes down to the complexity of your case. If your move involves complicated trust issues or a boundary dispute, a solicitor with broader legal training might be preferable. However, for most buyers and sellers, a licensed conveyancer offers a highly efficient and often more cost-effective service. Both must hold professional indemnity insurance to protect you if something goes wrong. Our guide on the difference between a property solicitor and a licensed conveyancer provides more information on what both do.

Is fixed fee conveyancing better for your budget?

Fixed fee conveyancing is generally better for budgeting because it guarantees the legal fee will not change regardless of how much time the solicitor spends. This provides certainty and protects you from unexpected hourly rate charges during the move.

Most modern property lawyers now offer fixed-fee conveyancing. This means that as long as the information you provided at the start was accurate, the legal fee stays the same. This is much safer than an hourly rate, which can quickly spiral if there are delays in the chain or if the other side’s solicitor is slow to respond.

However, you must remember that a fixed fee applies to the legal work, not the disbursements. Third-party costs like search fees can occasionally change if the local authority increases its prices.

Pro tip: Check if the firm offers a no completion, no fee guarantee. This means that if the sale falls through through no fault of your own, you won't have to pay the full legal fee, though you will still be responsible for any disbursements already paid out.

What questions should you ask before choosing a conveyancer?

Before appointing a solicitor, ask who will be handling your file, how often they will provide updates, and if they have experience with your specific property type. Confirming their communication policy helps manage your expectations throughout the move.

Communication is the most common cause of stress during a home move. Asking the right questions early on can prevent frustration later. Find out whether you will have a direct phone number or email address for the person handling your case. It is also worth asking about their current workload to ensure they have the capacity to move as quickly as you need them to.

If you are buying a new build or a property with a complex title, ask if they have handled similar cases recently. Some firms specialise in certain types of transactions and will be more familiar with the specific requirements of major developers or local authorities. By being proactive during the selection process, you can find a partner who will make your move as smooth as possible.

Summary

Comparing conveyancers is about balancing a competitive price with a high standard of service. By looking for fixed fees, checking for hidden costs, and verifying professional accreditations, you can avoid the most common pitfalls of the legal process. Moving Compared is here to help you navigate these choices with ease.

If you are ready to find the right legal partner for your move, you can use our tool to compare conveyancing quotes from regulated professionals across the UK today.

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal or financial advice. Readers should consult a qualified financial adviser or legal professional before making decisions related to mortgages or property transactions.