Top tips on finding a conveyancing solicitor

Conveyancing solicitors deal with the legal aspects of the process by which ownership of a property is transferred from seller to buyer.

Yes, hiring one means more paperwork, form filling, red tape and lots of coffee, but it must be done in order to successfully and properly complete a property transaction.

So where to start? Sorry, but there are many, many conveyancing solicitors to choose from, all of which can make finding the right one even more daunting and complex.

But don’t panic.

Help is on hand, right here, with our guide to help you hitch hike through the maze and find the right one for you.

Firstly, three important words to bear in mind: research, research and research. Buying a selling a property will be the single most important transaction you will deal with during your life, so it is vital to know exactly what is involved and what you’re going to be getting into.

If you just reach for the phone book and call the first one you find, you can be sure of extra worry, work, stress and expense.

So, try and make it easier for yourself by doing the following:
1. Select a conveyancing solicitor offering a personalised service. They may already have a number of clients, but if they know exactly what you need they will be the ideal solicitor to work with. Just ensure they deal with all your questions truthfully, and so give you confidence in their services.

2. Find one offering modern and up to date services. In recent years the property market has found new outlets for growth and development online, and the right conveyancing solicitor should be able to deal with this by providing their services accordingly. This will help ensure you receive a fast and more business-like service.

3. You need to hire a conveyancing solicitor who can give the very best possible value service for your money. Don’t make the mistake of hiring one who will try and entice you with a lower price for their services, or you will be risking getting a lower quality service and probably ending up paying even more for yet another conveyancing solicitor to finish the job.

Always closely examine the services the conveyancing solicitor is offering. Calculate their fees according to their offer and compare them to those offering lower fees. By doing this, you increase the odds of finding the right one and also the best one.

When you have checked out all of the above, only then can you feel confident you’ve found the right conveyancing solicitor. It is also advisable to check out their credentials and background.

For further information and advice, it is essential for you to contact The Law Society, the professional body for solicitors in England and Wales. Their members are bound by a code of practice and the society also has advice on what to do if things go wrong.

You can find a local solicitor specialising in conveyancing on their website at www.lawsociety.org.uk.