When finding a solicitor for a house purchase, make sure they're approved by your mortgage lender to avoid extra costs. It's also worth finding a solicitor with experience in your type of purchase, especially if you're buying a listed property or using a scheme like Shared Ownership.
A good solicitor will handle the legal side of your property transaction, but with so many options available, it can be hard to know where to start.
Here, we explain what solicitors do, how to compare them, and what to ask before making your final choice.
What Does a Solicitor Do?
Your solicitor will be responsible for the following:
- Update you on any progress
- Provide all cost data
- Conduct conveyancing searches
- Carry out the exchange of contracts
- Make disbursement payments on the buyer’s behalf
- Arrange the completion date
- Register the new owners of the property with the Land Registry
Your solicitor will be by your side for every legal step of the process, so choosing the right one can make all the difference.
The right solicitor helps things run smoothly, while the wrong one could lead to delays and added stress. That’s why it’s worth taking the time to choose carefully.
How to Find a Solicitor
It's a good idea to start looking for a solicitor while you're still viewing properties. That way, you can instruct your solicitor once your house offer is accepted, helping you get the ball rolling on your transaction.
Here are the best ways to find a solicitor:
Comparison Websites
Sites like Compare My Move can match you with both national and local solicitors who operate in your area, giving you a range of options to choose from.
Customer Reviews
Reading online reviews during your search offers an honest overview from real customers. It can also determine whether the solicitor is suited to your circumstances.
Recommendations
Recommendations from family and friends can provide peace of mind that you'll receive good service.
Estate agents and mortgage brokers may also recommend solicitors they’ve worked with before, but keep in mind they could receive a commission for doing so, so always double check whether the firm is the right fit for you.
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Questions to Help You Choose the Right Solicitor
Are They Regulated?
One of the first things you should check is whether the solicitor is regulated by the appropriate Law Society, depending on the property location.
This ensures they are qualified to work on property transactions and adhere to industry standards.
Are They Approved by Your Mortgage Lender?
Those buying with a mortgage must check whether the solicitor is on their chosen lender’s Conveyancing Panel. This is a list of approved conveyancers and solicitors that the lender will accept as part of the application.
Failure to choose a firm on their panel will result in the lender hiring an additional solicitor to act in their interest, with the buyer footing their bill.
Do They Have Experience with Similar Properties?
Those purchasing properties that don’t fall under the status quo, like historical buildings or via government schemes, such as Shared Ownership, should check whether the solicitor has relevant experience.
They can talk you through uncommon steps in the process that lots of solicitors aren’t familiar with.
Have They Worked in the Local Area Before?
Hiring a solicitor who has experience with the local area is beneficial as they can offer tailored advice drawn from previous jobs, including sale history and knowledge of any environmental factors that can negatively impact the property value.
Do They Work Online, In Person, or Both?
Most solicitors incorporate online portals into their services, with some operating exclusively online, allowing both you and your solicitor to work around your schedules. You can upload and sign documents via the portals and make enquiries.
Solicitors working nationally tend to work online, while local and smaller firms may provide an in-person service.
Do They Charge a Fixed Fee or an Hourly Rate?
A fixed fee is an established figure agreed on at the beginning of the process. This means your solicitor will not charge extra for their service, unless you need additional services further down the line. In most cases, you will be required to put down a deposit when you instruct your solicitor and pay the remaining funds on exchange.
Hourly rates are paid entirely on exchange and may seem smaller than fixed fees, but can quickly add up, especially for complicated transactions.
Compare Conveyancing Solicitors
Compare My Move can match you with up to 6 solicitors in your local area. Fill out our conveyancing comparison form to compare quotes and save up to 70% on your solicitor fees.
To join our network, companies must pass our strict verification process. Solicitors must be regulated by one of the following:
Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA)
Law Society of Scotland (LSS)
Law Society of Northern Ireland (LSNI)
*Based on the average service costs for Compare My Move users. See how our data works.
