Buying or selling a property is exciting, but the legal process can sometimes feel anything but. One of the most important decisions you’ll make is choosing the right conveyancer to handle the transaction.
The conveyancer you appoint can have a significant impact on how smoothly your sale or purchase progresses. While no one can eliminate every delay, selecting the right professional and staying organised can help keep things moving and reduce unnecessary stress.
Start Early
One of the simplest ways to speed up a transaction is to start looking for a conveyancer as soon as you decide to sell your home or begin searching for a new one.
Having a conveyancer ready means you can instruct them immediately once an offer is accepted, helping to avoid delays at the very start of the process.
Ask for Recommendations
Personal recommendations remain one of the best ways to find the right conveyancer. Friends, family members and trusted property professionals can often point you towards firms they have had positive experiences with.
Comparison websites can also be useful, allowing you to compare services, reviews and costs before making a decision.
Understand Your Options
You can choose between a solicitor who offers conveyancing services or a licensed conveyancer. Both are qualified to handle property transactions.
Solicitors are regulated by the Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA), while licensed conveyancers are regulated by the Council for Licensed Conveyancers (CLC).
The best choice often depends on your circumstances and personal preference.
Local or Online?
Many buyers and sellers find themselves deciding between a local conveyancing firm and an online service.
A local firm may charge slightly more, but you’ll often benefit from having a dedicated point of contact and a nearby office if you need face-to-face support.
Online conveyancing services can be more cost-effective, but the process is often handled by multiple team members rather than one named individual. For some people this works perfectly well, while others prefer a more personal approach.
Pay Attention to First Impressions
How a conveyancer handles your initial enquiry can tell you a lot about the service you can expect.
If obtaining a quote is difficult, responses are slow, or communication feels unclear, it may be worth considering other options. A responsive and organised conveyancer is often a good sign that your transaction will receive the same level of attention.
Get a Detailed Quote
When requesting a quote, you’ll typically need to provide:
- The property address
- The agreed purchase or sale price
- Whether the property is freehold or leasehold
The quote should clearly separate legal fees from disbursements, which are third-party costs such as local authority searches and bank transfer fees.
Being able to see exactly what is included makes it easier to compare providers fairly.
Be Honest About Any Complications
If there are factors that could affect the transaction, let your conveyancer know from the outset.
Examples might include:
- Divorce proceedings
- Probate or inherited property
- Boundary disputes
- Leasehold complexities
Providing this information early allows your conveyancer to prepare appropriately and minimise avoidable delays later in the process.
Check for No Sale, No Fee
Some firms offer a no sale, no fee arrangement.
This can provide reassurance if a transaction falls through, although you may still be responsible for certain disbursements already incurred. Always check the terms carefully before proceeding.
Make Sure They’re Approved by Your Lender
If you’re buying with a mortgage, check that your conveyancer is on your lender’s approved panel.
If they are not, additional legal representation may be required, which can add both cost and delay to the transaction.
Help Keep Things Moving
Even the right conveyancer can only work with the information they’re given.
Respond to requests promptly, provide identification documents as soon as possible, and ensure any paperwork is completed accurately. Buyers should be prepared to provide evidence of their source of funds, while sellers should complete property information forms without delay.
Good communication from all parties is one of the most effective ways to speed up conveyancing.
Choosing the Right Conveyancer Matters
There is no getting around the fact that conveyancing can be a detailed and sometimes lengthy process. However, choosing the right conveyancer, preparing early and staying organised can make a significant difference.
A proactive conveyancer, combined with responsive buyers and sellers, often creates the smoothest path from offer accepted to completion.
Estate Agency Done Ethically
Many people don’t trust estate agents. We’re working hard to change that.
That’s why we’re proud members of the Ethical Agent Network (EAN).
The network independently assesses its members against strict standards covering honesty, service, and how they treat clients, colleagues and the wider community.
We’re the only local agency to have achieved EAN accreditation.
So whether you’re thinking about selling, switching agents or simply looking for straightforward advice, we’re here to help.
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