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Moving house can be complicated, with many people referring to it as ‘the most stressful time in their lifes’. Choose the right conveyancer, and they will make the process as easy and stress free as possible.

A conveyancer has a vital role to play in handling all the legal aspects of your property sale or purchase and should give you peace of mind that the important details are being looked after.

If you are unsure where to start looking, read our top 5 tips below to choosing the right conveyancer.

TIP 1: Communication is Key

Communication is key to keeping stress at bay. You need a conveyancer who will listen to your concerns, identify and explain any issues, provide solutions, and keep you informed every step of the way.

Whist it may be tempting to choose an online conveyancer based on cost alone, you are more likely to end up dealing with a different person every time you call who may not be familiar with your transaction. Ideally you should look for a local conveyancing firm which knows the area and which will appoint a single person to handle your sale or purchase from start to finish, allowing for quicker communication and a more personal service. Select a firm you know and ask who will be looking after your transaction, it could save you a lot of frustration in the long run.

TIP 2: Local Knowledge

You shouldn’t underestimate using a local conveyancer who has a good knowledge of the local area and understands any local issues or factors that may influence your move.

Using a local firm also makes it easier if you need to deliver documents in person. It is also helpful to have the option of a face to face meeting with your conveyancer to discuss any questions or concerns you may have and a good conveyancer will always be happy to make the time to meet you and put your mind at ease.

TIP 3: Going cheap may cost you!

The conveyancer you choose will be responsible for all the legal aspects of your sale or purchase and whilst you might want to keep costs to a minimum during what is undoubtedly an expensive exercise, don’t let it lead you to an inexperienced or inflexible conveyancer.  The cheaper the conveyancer’s fees, the more likely it is that you will be dealing with unqualified staff who are following a tick list as opposed to an experienced and qualified lawyer who can adapt to your specific circumstances.

With conveyancing, you get what you pay for.

Also check the cost estimate you are provided with by your conveyancer details all legal fees and other payments so that you can budget for your transaction. Sometimes a cheaper “quote” does not always include all costs of the transaction. A good conveyancer will always provide you with a transparent cost estimate detailing all likely costs.

TIP 4: Expertise counts

No two property transactions are the same, so it’s important you appoint someone who specialises in conveyancing who will be able to guide you through the process and ensure everything progresses efficiently.

This may sound obvious but this is not an area of law to rely on favours or inexperience, the standard of service can vary dramatically from one firm to another. Online conveyancing firms often employ unqualified staff in order to keep their fees attractive.

TIP 5: Plan ahead and follow recommendations

Often, when buying or selling a property, people find themselves choosing a conveyancer in a hurry, at the point when they are ready to make or accept an offer. Try and avoid this, as it often results in careless decisions.

Your estate agent or mortgage broker may be able to recommend someone, and friends and family are also worth asking as they will base their recommendation on their own personal experience.

Contact Us

For further advice or information please contact one of our Residential Property experts.

This article is for general information only and does not constitute legal or professional advice. Please note that the law may have changed since this article was published.