How to choose a conveyancing solicitor

Choosing the Right Conveyancer: 7 Key Considerations

Are you new to buying or selling property? If so, then it’s likely that you won’t have dealt with a conveyancing solicitor before. Or maybe this isn’t your first time, but you’ve been left feeling frustrated and disappointed by previous experiences. Sound familiar?

We all know that moving to a new house is regarded as one of the most stressful life events. So the last thing you need is to be dealing with a conveyancing solicitor who adds to that tension. But if you’re on the hunt for a conveyancer, where do you start? And crucially, how do you guarantee you find a quality professional who won’t let you down?

Here are key considerations to keep in mind to ensure a smooth and secure home buying or selling experience:

1. Mortgage Lender Approval

Before settling on a conveyancer, confirm whether they are approved by your mortgage lender. This is essential to avoid any hiccups in the financing process.

2. No Completion, No Fee

Opt for conveyancers who offer a “no completion, no fee” arrangement. This ensures that you won’t incur fees if the transaction falls through, providing financial peace of mind.

3. Online Reviews

For a true picture of the service on offer from a conveyancing solicitor, take time to listen to what other people have to say. Word of mouth and reviews from past clients are a brilliant way to gain a true picture of the firm you’re considering and can give you a real feel for the quality of service they offer.

Look for a conveyancer who has a proven track record of success and can provide references from satisfied clients. Check online reviews to gauge the experiences of previous clients. Platforms like Google, Trustpilot, or specialized conveyancer review sites can offer valuable insights into the professionalism and reliability of the conveyancing service. At GD Legal we have a 4.8 average rating with over 1,200 reviews on our Google Profile.

4. Credentials and Regulatory Approval

You need to be sure that you are working with a professional. By checking to see if they are fully accredited you will know the conveyancer you are dealing with has all the necessary skills and knowledge to properly assist you and provide sound legal advice. Licensed conveyancing solicitors should be authorised and regulated by the Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA).

This accreditation ensures that they adhere to the highest professional standards and ethical practices. The conveyancing process also involves numerous legal documents and complex procedures. A good conveyancer should be thorough and detail-oriented to ensure that nothing is overlooked.

5. Independent Recommendations

While estate agents may provide recommendations, it’s crucial not to rely solely on them. Seek independent advice and explore multiple options to make an informed decision.

6. Local Knowledge

Local expertise can be an asset during property transactions. A conveyancer familiar with the local area may navigate specific regulations or potential challenges more effectively. We have 8 offices across the UK and Dubai meaning our conveyancing solicitors hold an in-depth knowledge of all the areas we service across the country.

7. Transparent Fee Structure

Look for a conveyancer who is transparent about their fees and charges, with no hidden costs or surprises. Understand the conveyancer’s fee structure upfront. Transparent communication about costs, including any potential additional charges, will help you plan your budget accordingly.

By considering these factors, you can select a conveyancer who aligns with your needs, providing confidence and assurance throughout the property transaction process. At GD Legal we offer no completion no fee conveyancing services but also offer transparent conveyancing fees so that you can budget accordingly for our services.

8. Communication

What is the thing that frustrates people the most? Lack of communication. Unanswered calls and emails, wasted time chasing updates to find out where things are up to. So it’s important that the conveyancing solicitor you choose is clear about the level of communication you can expect. Will they be your dedicated point of contact or do you stand the risk of being passed from pillar to post within the company trying to find answers? How will they update you? Can they offer face-to-face meetings if you feel you need one? All of these points need to be considered.

A good conveyancer should be responsive and easy to communicate with, providing regular updates on the progress of your transaction. At GD Legal we understand that the process from putting an offer through to completion can be really stressful. We offer all our clients access to an online portal allowing you to access updates of your conveyancing process at any time.

8. Cost

During what’s already an expensive time, with removal team bills and estate agent fees (to name just a few!), the last thing you want is to be paying through the nose for your legal advice – but nor do you want to sacrifice the quality of your service for a low price either. So what should you be paying?

The cost of conveyancing service largely depends on the value of the property involved. Your solicitor should be open and honest about fees and provide you with a clear breakdown of the costs involved – and be able to reassure you that there will be no hidden ‘extras’ further down the line. Check to see on what basis they will charge you and be on the lookout for a ‘no completion, no fee’ service.

8. Technology

We live in a fast-paced, modern world and it’s important that the service you are being offered is able to keep up. With the right technology, the conveyancing process can be made so much simpler, allowing you to log onto a portal 24/7 to see exactly where things are up to, complete and sign important documents online and make payments. Ideally, any systems in place will also send you automated updates when key stages are reached, so you’re kept constantly informed. As part of your research be sure to ask your conveyancing solicitor about the systems they have in place and how they intend to keep you in the loop.

Something you don’t need to worry about checking? Where your conveyancing solicitor is based. A conveyancer doesn’t need to be local to either you or your property to deal with the process for you. All conveyancing work can be done remotely so this doesn’t need to be a concern – but it does make the technology and communication in place, even more key to your decision.

Start Your Conveyancing Journey Today

Here at GD Property Services, we understand that buying property can be a headache, but we don’t believe it should be. So, if you’re searching for a modern, reliable firm, don’t reach for the painkillers – appoint one of our friendly professional property solicitors who will be by your side, every step of the way and won’t let you down. Why not get a free no-obligation quote now, or talk to one of the team?