Instructing a Conveyancer

Why you should instruct a conveyancerbeforeyou find a property

Many buyers make the mistake of waiting until they’ve had an offer accepted before finding a conveyancer. But in a fast-moving market, delays can cost you the home you want. Instructing a conveyancerbefore you start viewingmeans you’re fully prepared to move quickly when you find the right property.

Here’s why being proactive gives you a major advantage.

What does a conveyancer do?

Aconveyancerorproperty solicitoris responsible for handling the legal side of your home purchase. Their key tasks include:

✔Carrying out legal checks– Ensuring the property has no legal issues, such as boundary disputes or restrictions.

✔Managing searches– Ordering local authority, environmental, and water searches. Maybe some more too!

✔Reviewing the contract– Checking terms, rights of way, leasehold/freehold details, and more.

✔Liaising with the seller’s solicitor– Raising and resolving any enquiries.

✔Handling exchange and completion– Transferring funds and registering you as the new owner.

Why instruct a conveyancer early?

Most buyers waituntil their offer is acceptedbefore looking for a conveyancer, but this can create unnecessary delays. If you secure a property and then start searching for a conveyancer, you’ll lose valuable time.

By instructing a conveyancer early, you:

✔Speed up the process– Your conveyancer will have everything set up and ready to go.

✔Show estate agents and sellers you’re serious– Agents prioritise buyers who are already prepared.

✔Avoid making rushed decisions– Choosing the right conveyancer takes time, so don’t leave it until the last minute.

✔Get your compliance checks done in advance– This can be one of the biggest causes of delays (which Open Moove helps you avoid!).

💡Fact:Buyers who instruct a conveyancer before making an offercan reduce transaction times by weeks, helping to avoid chains collapsing.

How to choose the right conveyancer

Not all conveyancers are the same. Consider:

•Experience and reputation– Choose a conveyancer who specialises in residential purchases.

•Communication– A good conveyancer keeps you updated throughout the process.

•Fixed fees vs hourly rates– Look for clear pricing to avoid unexpected costs.

•Technology and efficiency– Some conveyancers still rely on paperwork and post, which slows things down. Digital-first firms speed up the process.

💡Tip:Ask your estate agent or mortgage broker for recommendations, but always check reviews within the Open Moove market place before deciding.

What Open Moove suggests next

• Instruct a conveyancerbeforeyou start viewing properties to avoid unnecessary delays.

• Complete your compliance check in the Open Moove app so everything is ready when you make an offer.

• Get quotes from different conveyancers and compare their services before choosing.

• Download the Open Moove app to track your home buying progress and get expert guidance at every step.