What will your solicitor do?

Your solicitor will do the necessary paperwork to ensure the legality of the property transfer, including arranging the exchange of contracts and registering the title at the Land Registry. The conveyancer will also perform other vital roles during the property transaction. They will handle the transfer of the mortgage advance and the deposit, and work on your behalf to check important documents and offer you their advice.

The conveyancer will also apply for any searches required on the property for you. They will requisition any reports relating to the property, which may be significant to you as the new owner, for example from the local authority or other organisations. Searches can uncover boundary disputes, planning issues or hindrances, and rights of way affecting the home. Your conveyancer may advocate other less common searches, like environmental searches, if your property is located in a high risk area, or the type of property brings an associated risk. These types of searches can reveal flooding or subsidence exposure.

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Finding an online conveyancer

Your estate agent may recommend you a solicitor for your conveyancing. However, please be aware that your estate agent may be paid a referral fee for the recommendation, so you can usually cut costs by instructing a conveyancer directly. Most property solicitors have websites now so you should be able to find one that suits you by searching the internet.

Before choosing an online conveyancers make sure to carefully check over the quotation. A cheap fixed price like “Conveyancing under £100” is a tactic used by firms to entice customers. There will always be disbursements and other costs incurred during the conveyancing transaction that will need to be added to this baseline rate. The solicitor will need to raise funds from you to pay these third party costs, or disbursements, as your representative. Examples of disbursements are search fees and HM Land Registry payments.

Comprehensive online conveyancing

The business structure of some solicitors is still very traditional, but most now have an online service, and many provide a complete online case tracking system. A conveyancing system offers advantages over the traditional method by giving more clarity. It will allow you to sign in at any time and track progress on your case. You can get updates on the position of your mortgage process and see whether the searches have been applied for or acknowledged. Online conveyancers usually send notifications when milestones are accomplished in the conveyancing process.

Whatever you decide, it is advisable to compare the reviews of the conveyancer as well as the price. Check any online testimonials that highlight issues of previous clients, and evidence of good client care.