How to choose a conveyancer

How to choose a conveyancer - What to ask and what to expect

Choosing a conveyancer is a crucial step in the property transaction process. A skilled conveyancer or solicitor will handle the legal aspects of your property transfer, ensuring that everything is in order before contracts are exchanged. In this guide, we’ll cover how to choose a conveyancer, what questions to ask, and what you can expect from the process.

1. Understanding the role of a conveyancer

A conveyancer or property solicitor manages the legal transfer of property ownership. Their responsibilities include:

Conducting searches and due diligence:They’ll carry out property searches, raise any necessary enquiries, and identify potential legal issues, such as boundaries, access rights, or restrictive covenants.Drafting and reviewing contracts:The conveyancer prepares and reviews the sale contract to ensure it includes all necessary details, protecting you from future disputes.Handling funds and completing the sale:They manage the transfer of funds and officially register the new ownership with the Land Registry, completing the sale.

Conducting searches and due diligence:They’ll carry out property searches, raise any necessary enquiries, and identify potential legal issues, such as boundaries, access rights, or restrictive covenants.

Drafting and reviewing contracts:The conveyancer prepares and reviews the sale contract to ensure it includes all necessary details, protecting you from future disputes.

Handling funds and completing the sale:They manage the transfer of funds and officially register the new ownership with the Land Registry, completing the sale.

2. Key qualities to look for in a conveyancer

Selecting the right conveyancer can help make the process smoother and less stressful:

Experience with similar transactions:If you’re buying a leasehold property or shared ownership, for example, look for a conveyancer with experience in those specific areas.Clear communication and transparency:A good conveyancer should provide regular updates and explain complex legal terms in simple language, helping you feel informed and in control.Competitive, transparent Fees:While costs vary, look for transparent, all-inclusive quotes that outline fees for searches, registration, and other disbursements. Avoid any conveyancers who quote unrealistically low fees as this can be a red flag. Value is more important than cost!Positive reviews and recommendations:Seek recommendations from friends or family, and Open Moove reviews within the marketplace to find conveyancers with a proven track record. Your estate agent or mortgage broker will also be able to suggest their preferred conveyancer.

Experience with similar transactions:If you’re buying a leasehold property or shared ownership, for example, look for a conveyancer with experience in those specific areas.

Clear communication and transparency:A good conveyancer should provide regular updates and explain complex legal terms in simple language, helping you feel informed and in control.

Competitive, transparent Fees:While costs vary, look for transparent, all-inclusive quotes that outline fees for searches, registration, and other disbursements. Avoid any conveyancers who quote unrealistically low fees as this can be a red flag. Value is more important than cost!

Positive reviews and recommendations:Seek recommendations from friends or family, and Open Moove reviews within the marketplace to find conveyancers with a proven track record. Your estate agent or mortgage broker will also be able to suggest their preferred conveyancer.

3. Questions to ask when choosing a conveyancer

Asking the right questions can help you choose a conveyancer who meets your needs and offers reliable service:

What are your fees, and what do they include?Get a clear breakdown of all fees to understand what’s included and avoid unexpected charges.Do you have experience with properties like mine?Specific expertise can be essential, especially if the property is leasehold, part of a new development, or has unique restrictions.How will you communicate with me, and how often?Find out if they provide regular updates, whether they’re available by phone or email, and what response times you can expect within Open Moove.What potential issues do you foresee with my property purchase?An experienced conveyancer will be able to identify possible complications based on property details and provide guidance on how to handle them.

What are your fees, and what do they include?Get a clear breakdown of all fees to understand what’s included and avoid unexpected charges.

Do you have experience with properties like mine?Specific expertise can be essential, especially if the property is leasehold, part of a new development, or has unique restrictions.

How will you communicate with me, and how often?Find out if they provide regular updates, whether they’re available by phone or email, and what response times you can expect within Open Moove.

What potential issues do you foresee with my property purchase?An experienced conveyancer will be able to identify possible complications based on property details and provide guidance on how to handle them.

4. What to expect from the conveyancing process

Once you’ve selected a conveyancer, here’s what you can expect as they begin work on your transaction:

Initial documents and ID checks:You’ll need to provide identification and complete basic forms. This is required by law as part of Anti-Money Laundering (AML) regulations. Utilise the Open Moove biometric AML check to make this as straightforward as possible.Property searches and enquiries:The purchaser's conveyancer will conduct property searches and raise any necessary enquiries, such as questions about boundaries, property condition, and planning permissions.Contract drafting and review:They’ll review and amend the sale contract, ensuring it meets all legal requirements. You’ll then be asked to review and sign the final version.Managing completion:On the day of completion, the conveyancer will handle the transfer of funds and register the new ownership with the Land Registry, finalising the transaction.

Initial documents and ID checks:You’ll need to provide identification and complete basic forms. This is required by law as part of Anti-Money Laundering (AML) regulations. Utilise the Open Moove biometric AML check to make this as straightforward as possible.

Property searches and enquiries:The purchaser's conveyancer will conduct property searches and raise any necessary enquiries, such as questions about boundaries, property condition, and planning permissions.

Contract drafting and review:They’ll review and amend the sale contract, ensuring it meets all legal requirements. You’ll then be asked to review and sign the final version.

Managing completion:On the day of completion, the conveyancer will handle the transfer of funds and register the new ownership with the Land Registry, finalising the transaction.

What Open Moove suggests next

At Open Moove, we recommend these steps to ensure you choose the best conveyancer for your property transaction:

Research and compare several conveyancers:Take the time to compare quotes, services, and reviews within the marketplace to find the conveyancer who offers the best value and expertise.Prioritise communication and transparency:A conveyancer who communicates well within Open Moove will make the process less stressful, keeping you informed every step of the way.Use Open Moove’s trusted network:Our platform connects you with reliable conveyancers who are experienced and customer-focused, helping you navigate the legal side of your purchase confidently. We don't let everyone in to the marketplace!

Research and compare several conveyancers:Take the time to compare quotes, services, and reviews within the marketplace to find the conveyancer who offers the best value and expertise.

Prioritise communication and transparency:A conveyancer who communicates well within Open Moove will make the process less stressful, keeping you informed every step of the way.

Use Open Moove’s trusted network:Our platform connects you with reliable conveyancers who are experienced and customer-focused, helping you navigate the legal side of your purchase confidently. We don't let everyone in to the marketplace!

By choosing the right conveyancer and understanding the process, you’ll have peace of mind knowing that the legal aspects of your transaction are in good hands.