Help for buyers and sellers affected by PM Law’s closure

Practical support for clients with a home move in progress

News this week has reported the sudden closure of the PM Law Group and a number of associated law firm brands, including Butterworths Solicitors. Many home buyers and sellers are now dealing with uncertainty at exactly the point they expected progress.

If your conveyancing matter was with PM Law, PM Property Lawyers, Butterworths, or another connected firm, the priority is straightforward. You need clear information, a steady plan, and a solicitor who can take over promptly, so your transaction stays on track.

At GD Property Solicitors, we are not here to speculate or comment on what led to the closure. We are here to help people move home smoothly, with calm guidance, practical steps, and fast communication when time matters.

Why choose GD Property Solicitors now?

When a firm closes suddenly, the biggest risks for clients tend to be delay and lack of information. That is especially important if you are close to exchange or completion, or part of a chain where everyone is relying on a timetable.

GD Property Solicitors is set up to step in quickly and professionally. We focus on clear updates, efficient case handling, and proactive liaison with agents, lenders, and the other side’s solicitors. We act for clients across England and Wales, and we regularly support matters in the North West and West Midlands, alongside nationwide transactions.

We also offer conveyancing on a No Sale No Fee basis, meaning there are no legal fees if your sale or purchase does not complete, other than disbursements. That reassurance can matter when circumstances change unexpectedly.

What this may mean for your conveyancing file

If your previous solicitors have ceased trading, you may face one or more of the following issues:

Your file and key documents may be inaccessible for the time being, including contract papers, replies to enquiries, or your signed forms.

You may not be able to contact the fee earner who was dealing with your matter.

If money was paid on account, you may be unsure where it is held and what the next steps are.

Your estate agent, the other side’s solicitors, or your lender may be pressing for updates and dates.

None of this means your move has to fail. It does mean you may benefit from appointing a new solicitor promptly, so there is a clear route forward.

What to do next if you were affected

1. Let key parties know you are appointing new solicitors

A short, factual message can stabilise the situation and prevent assumptions. Tell your estate agent and the other side’s solicitors that your previous firm has closed and you are instructing a replacement.

If you are in a chain, this is often the fastest way to reduce pressure and keep timelines realistic.

2. Gather what you already have

If you have any of the following, keep them together and forward them to your new solicitor:

Any emails that show your current stage, including draft contract papers, enquiries, mortgage conditions, or target dates.

Receipts or confirmations for any payments on account.

Your property details, estate agent information, and the other side’s solicitor details, if you have them.

3. If you were close to exchange or completion, treat it as urgent

Where you are near exchange or completion, speed matters, but so does accuracy. A new firm still needs to complete professional checks before they can responsibly exchange contracts. The sooner you instruct, the more options you keep and the easier it is to protect your dates.

How GD Property Solicitors helps you take over a file quickly

When you instruct us to take over a conveyancing matter from a disrupted or closed firm, our focus is to move things forward with minimal duplication and maximum clarity.

We start by confirming the current position and your priority dates. We then request the file papers and key documents through the appropriate channels and assess what can be used, such as searches, title documents, and replies already received.

At the same time, we communicate with the agent, the other side’s solicitors, and your lender where needed. The aim is to agree sensible timescales and keep the transaction progressing, while protecting you properly at each stage.

You will also receive straightforward updates. You will not be left wondering what is happening or what the next step is.

Common questions

Do I have to start again from scratch?
Not always. It depends on what stage your matter reached and whether documents can be retrieved. In many cases, we can adopt work already completed and push forward without unnecessary repetition.

What happens to money I paid on account?
That depends on where it is held and what regulatory process follows. If you have any payment confirmations, we can advise on the practical next steps and what information to gather.

Will my mortgage offer be affected?
Not usually automatically, but timing can matter if an offer is close to expiry or has specific conditions. If you are near exchange or completion, it is sensible to act promptly so your solicitor can review your lender requirements and keep the matter moving.

Contact GD Property Solicitors

If your house sale, house purchase, remortgage, or transfer of equity was being handled by PM Law, PM Property Lawyers, Butterworths Solicitors, or another connected brand, and you need a new solicitor, we can help.

GD Property Solicitors supports clients across England and Wales, with strong coverage in the North West and the West Midlands, including key towns and cities across Greater Manchester, Lancashire, Birmingham, Wolverhampton, Coventry, and surrounding areas.

Call us today or complete our online enquiry form to speak with a conveyancing specialist. If you are close to exchange or completion, tell us your target dates and we will prioritise the takeover.