Choosing a Conveyancer

There are a few things that a buyer or a seller needs to consider when choosing a conveyancer:-

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Cost of Conveyancing

Many conveyancing firms operate on a "no exchange, no fee" basis, including the vast majority which specialise in conveyancing, or have large conveyancing departments. This promise means that if the transaction does not reach exchange (the point where the conveyancing contract to buy/sell becomes legally binding) then all you will pay is disbursements, such as the cost of any conveyancing searches ordered, any copy documents ordered from the local authority, land registry etc. Given that property chains can collapse through no fault of your own it makes sense to choose a conveyancing firm which operates on this basis.

Many conveyancing firms (including most if not all of those who offer no exchange, no fee) also operate on a fixed fee basis. You will be given a quote for the conveyancer's fees at the outset and this is what you will pay, rather than being charged by the hour. This option is usually cheaper and need not mean accepting a lesser quality of service however do beware - there are conveyancing firms who offer a fixed fee which seems very competitive however they then charge you additional sums for such things as completing the Stamp Duty Land Tax return or for dealing with a mortgage (either repayment of an existing mortgage if you are selling or dealing with a new mortgage if you are buying). Since these are things which are common to most transactions and which can only be dealt with by your conveyancer they should, in my view, be included in the original quote. Such extras as these should be listed in the firms' terms and conditions however if you are unsure you can ask to see a list fees for additional legal services which may be required. Even firms which do not charge these "hidden extras" will usually charge additional fees for genuinely unusual tasks such as drawing up a Declaration of Trust or Deed of Variation. You should receive a quote for the cost of any such additional work before it is carried out.

Location of the Conveyancing Firm

It is no longer necessary to instruct a conveyancer who is based in your area since there are many conveyancing firms which will deal by phone and post and will not require you to visit their offices. This method works very well in most cases, however if you are the type of person who prefers to speak face to face then you should check at the outset that your conveyancer is able to accommodate. Most firms which operate "at a distance" from their clients will not have the facilities to see you in person. Visit The Law Society site or the Council For Licensed Conveyancers  to find conveyancing  firms in your area, or beyond.

Is my conveyancer registered?

In order for a solicitors' firm to act on your behalf it must be a member of, and therefore regulated by, the Law Society. It is illegal for a firm to operate otherwise and thankfully instances of fraud are rare, however it is nonetheless worth checking on any firm you do not know well. You can do this by visiting The Law Society  site and searching for the firm. If you are employing a Licensed Conveyancer the firm must be registered with the Council For Licensed Conveyancers. To check, visit the Council For Licensed Conveyancers site.

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