Conveyancing Quotes: Why They're Important And How To Get Them

You’re buying a new house. It’s an exciting time but there are so many things to consider; your to do list is probably as long as your arm. But there’s one important job that you can’t afford to skip – gathering conveyancing quotes.

What is conveyancing, anyway?

Conveyancing is the process of transferring ownership of property from one person or another. A conveyancer is a professional who acts on your behalf throughout this process and ensures that the process is completed legally and efficiently. When you’re buying a house in England and Wales, you’ll need a conveyancer to help you with the purchase.

Who can act as a conveyancer?

In England and Wales, the only people able to act as conveyancers are solicitors and licensed conveyancers. Whoever you choose will need to be regulated by the relevant authority – the Solicitors Regulatory Authority or the Council for Licensed Conveyancers.These bodies make sure that the conveyancer is practicing according to the law.

How can I choose a conveyancer?

There are lots of things to take into account, including:

Word of mouth from family and friends, and online reviews
Communication
Fees

Fees are really important and, because the costs can really add up when you’re buying a house, you want to be sure that you can budget for them.

What is the best way to get conveyancing quotes?

The most efficient way of gathering quotes is to first of all put together a list of five conveyancers you might like to use. You can then telephone or email your chosen conveyancers and ask for a quote. Make sure you get it in writing, and check that there won’t be any other, hidden fees!

Sometimes quotes will be a fixed fee, others might be a percentage of the purchase price, still others might charge an hourly rate. When you have all of your quotes, you can add them to your list and decide who you want to go with. Many conveyancers offer a ‘no move no fee’ package. This is really beneficial because it means that you won’t be out of pocket if the purchase falls through.

Should I choose the cheapest?

Not necessarily! If the cheapest conveyancer took a long time to get back to you, or if they have poor reviews, it might be a good idea to go with somebody else. Remember too that the opposite can be true – high cost does not necessarily mean quality. Weigh up your options; cost is just one factor that you need to consider.