How do I choose the right conveyancing solicitor?
Have you found your dream house? Maybe you’re about to sell one? You’ve enlisted an estate agent so the next step is the legal bit. But where to start, and how to choose? Your estate agent may recommend one or two legal firms, but it’s worth doing your homework and finding one that suits your needs. It’s not always a matter of price.
Choosing the right conveyancing solicitor (‘conveyancer’) can make all the difference to a typically stressful time and alleviate some of the worries you might have about how smooth the process will be. This checklist will help you compare and choose which conveyancing solicitor to use.
Keeping you in the loop
This is key to a “good experience” of dealing with a solicitor. You need to be kept in the loop every step of the way. That’s why we make sure every client has a dedicated conveyancer who will oversee your case and be on hand to fill you in with how things are progressing. We’ll also update you when things aren’t moving along and discuss any options available to you.
Understanding conveyancing costs
Moving house can be an expensive business. You will want to know exactly how much the legal fees will be and if there will be any additional ‘hidden extras’ along the way. We make sure every client has a transparent, upfront cost estimate that includes any expected extras (we call them disbursements) so you will know exactly how much to budget for. We will also calculate the stamp duty that will be due. It’s also important to understand how and when costs may escalate in relation to changes during the transaction.
Conveyancers with local knowledge
It can be helpful to engage a conveyancer who knows the area where you are looking to buy or sell property. A conveyancing team with doorstep knowledge can sometimes come in handy. Pinpointing concerns at an early stage is possible when you know the historical use of the land or any potential future developments. Specific searches and enquiries can be made at the off.
Listed buildings
This may be important if you are buying or selling a listed building. Whether it’s a flat within a shared building or a townhouse with below-ground vaults, finding a conveyancer who is familiar with the unique nature of these properties can be very useful.
Leasehold expertise
Leasehold property transactions involve complicated procedures and regulations. This is where it can get tricky. A specialist conveyancer can help you with:
- Leasehold Enfranchisement – this is when you purchase your freehold title
- Leasehold Extensions – if you wish to extend the lease of your property
- Right to Manage – as a group of leaseholders you can collectively exercise a right to force the landlord to transfer the management of the building to a company set up by the leaseholders
Expert conveyancing solicitors
If you are a first time buyer or a seasoned seller, our specialist team of conveyancers and solicitors are on hand to make the process straightforward and stress-free.
For a no obligation quote please call 0117 906 9400 or use our contact form to submit an enquiry. Get the ball rolling now, you don’t need to wait until you’ve made or accepted an offer before speaking to a solicitor.
