9 September 2019
Buying a property is one of the biggest investments of your life and the process can be very stressful. It is therefore extremely important that you choose the right conveyancer. There are various options available and the difficult part is deciding who to instruct to act on your behalf.
The cheapest is not always the best!
I would firstly suggest that you ask your family, friends or work colleagues for any recommendations. Also if you are obtaining mortgage finance, the conveyancer must be registered on the lender’s panel otherwise you could incur further costs.
The estate agent may recommend a conveyancer as they work closely with various firms however, the recommendation may not be a local firm but an expensive option. An estate agent may also recommend a conveyancer miles away but you should instruct someone on their reputation rather than someone who is paying a referral fee for the work.
Online conveyancing is also very popular and communication is often by email or telephone. Again, this service is likely to be cheaper but you may not speak to the same person each time which could result in delays or a stressful move.
A local conveyancer will have knowledge of their area and may have acted in similar transactions. This advantage means they are able to anticipate any problems but most importantly can offer a solution.
A local conveyancer will also have a relationship with other local professionals which could make the transaction go smoother and is good for obtaining accurate updates especially if there is a long chain of transactions. You would also be able to attend the firm in person to bring any documents required to avoid any delays and meet face to face to discuss matters.
Secondly, it is very important to obtain quotes of the costs involved in your purchase from different firms so that you compare them. Ask the firm to send you the quote in writing so you can see the breakdown of the costs including VAT and disbursements i.e. searches, bank transfer fee, HM Land Registry fee and Stamp Duty Land Tax (if payable).
There will always be firms who offer an attractive fixed fee but they may have hidden fees in the small print resulting in a much bigger bill at the end of the transaction. Hidden fees could be a fee for completing the Stamp Duty Land Tax Return or for obtaining Indemnity Insurance Polices which should be included in the conveyancing process.
When obtaining quotes you will get a first impression of how helpful the conveyancer is. You want to be able to speak to someone who makes your feel comfortable, takes the time to explain matters in simple terms and answers any questions you have.
At Williamsons Solicitors we have a friendly, local, team and pride ourselves in our service. Should you have questions or queries, please contact us on 01482 881278.
