Dispelling the myths of conveyancing

Conveyancing "don’t come cheap"

The myth that you can secure conveyancing services for under £100 is simply not true. If you find such a conveyancer, check your contract carefully as you may be charged for every email read, text sent or paperclip used. Generally you get what you pay for with a conveyancing solicitor - if your quotes sound too good to be true then they probably are. Concentrate on getting value for money from your chosen solicitor, ensuring they take the strain of the paperwork whilst keeping you informed every step of the way.

Conveyancers don’t arrange a house survey

Contrary to popular belief conveyancing solicitors do not arrange a home survey. In a reallymoving study conducted of 900 people a few years ago, 54% of respondents in fact believed the solicitor would arrange a house survey. Similarly, a fifth of respondents thought that an estate agent could carry out the conveyancing of their house move. The confusion appears to lie between the concept of surveys and searches, with conveyancing solicitors employed to carry out the latter.

You don’t have to use a local conveyancer

As local knowledge of the area of the property is not required for conveyancing, and the tasks your solicitor will have to complete can be done online, using a local, high street conveyancer is not necessary. Searches are performed online with the Land Registry and local authorities, documentation can be posted or emailed, and communication can be conducted over the phone, through email or by post.
 
Many national firms also have a case tracker system, which is updated when any progress has been made and can be accessed by clients at all times.

We have more information about whether your conveyancing solicitor needs to be local from one of our conveyancing Property Professors.

Appoint your conveyancing solicitor carefully and ensure they have the relevant experience and qualifications to handle delays and any obstacles along the way. Check their background using a conveyancing solicitor directory with reviews and opinions from home owners who have used these conveyancers in the past.

Updated March 2020