A guide to setting up a conveyancing company

1. Apply for Regulation

Regulation legitimises your company and ensures both you and your customers are protected. There are different regulatory bodies depending on your circumstances and location. For example, the LSNI is available to those located in Northern Ireland.

Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA)

Most SRA members apply for regulation through the Solicitors Qualifying Examination (SQE) route. You will need to have either a degree or a level 6 qualification equivalent. You then must pass both SQE assessments and complete two years of qualifying work experience. Once you have done this, you will also be required to pass the SRA’s criteria.

Council for Licenced Conveyancers (CLC)

Those applying for CLC regulation need to make sure that they have a quotation for professional indemnity insurance (PII). The quotation must be approved by the CLC Participating Insurance Agreement. They must also meet CLC’s criteria which include regulatory and criminality screening checks.

Law Society of Scotland (LSS)

Those practising in Scotland will need to apply to the LSS. There are multiple ways to successfully register with the common route being via the LLB Degree. This ensures that you have the relevant qualifications to practise as a conveyancer. You can also undergo a pre-PEAT training contract, a Diploma in Professional Legal Practice, or a traineeship.

Law Society of Northern Ireland (LSNI)

Those setting up a conveyancing business in Northern Ireland will need to register with the LSNI. In order to successfully register with the LSNI, you must pass the exams held by the Institute of Professional Legal Studies. The LSNI will then be in touch with those who have passed providing further instruction. This includes providing proof of your Apprenticeship Contract (known as Indentures). This is a two-year fixed-term contract.

Chartered Institute of Legal Executives (CILEX)

CILEX has a unique offering thanks to the CILEX Professional Qualification Framework (known as the CPQ Framework). This qualification has been designed for people who have not been formally trained in law. Combining research and consultation, CILEX applicants will receive the necessary skills and experience.

2. Figure out the services you can offer

There are a variety of conveyancing services that you can choose to offer. You may decide to specialise in either sales or purchases or provide solutions for both. Some conveyancers also undertake further training to offer expertise on more complex transactions.

Sale or Purchase

Some conveyancers specialise in either sales or purchases, gaining experience in their field. This can be a good place to start for those looking to build their expertise in a manageable way.

Sale and Purchase

Most conveyancers tend to offer sale and purchase services as this doesn’t restrict the target market as much. Some customers may also be buying and selling at the same time, meaning that you could work as their conveyancer for both transactions.

Complex Cases

Complex cases can include remortgaging, new build purchases and leasehold properties. While further training is not always compulsory, it may be recommended. These transactions tend to come with a premium fee thanks to the specialist expertise required.

We offer sale, purchase, sale and purchase, and remortgage leads.

3. Do your research

Research the locations you want to offer your services to. You may decide to restrict your services to the local area which can boost your reputation in the community. However, you will receive more custom if you operate in more locations.

You will also have to decide how much you wish to charge for your services. Have a look at what other conveyancers in the area charge to get an idea of what people will pay. Charging too much will turn customers away while charging too little can cause you to struggle to make a profit.

4. Create a website

Setting up a company website allows customers to find you online. It also gives you the opportunity to showcase your services and qualifications. You can reference your website as a point of contact for potential customers.

Our review widget can be added to your website to showcase your 5-star reviews and build trust among your customers.

5. Get high-quality conveyancing leads

Compare My Move can kickstart your business growth with high-quality conveyancing leads. Whether you are an experienced conveyancer who has started your own firm or are new to the industry, you can benefit from lead generation.

We don't charge a commission fee, so you keep 100% profit from each job. We also don’t show prices to clients, meaning you quote the customer and avoid putting your prices down to win the job.

Learn how our partners have seen business growth through our leads. Attwells Solicitor boasts a 50% conversion rate on all conveyancing leads. They told us that “for every £1 we spend, we expect £3 back, and we always get above and beyond our expected return”.

Learn more on partner success with our case studies.