Which Solicitor is Right for You? | How to Find a Good Conveyancer

Buying or selling property can be one of the most important financial decisions you’ll make in your lifetime. Whether you're a first-time buyer, upgrading to a bigger home, or looking to invest in property, the conveyancing process can seem daunting. Choosing the right legal professional—either a solicitor or a licensed conveyancer—can have a huge impact on your experience. For UK-based DIY enthusiasts, young professionals, interior designers, architects, and tradesmen, understanding how to pick a reliable conveyancer is key to a smooth transaction.

What is a Conveyancer and Why Do You Need One?

Conveyancing refers to the legal process of transferring property ownership from the seller to the buyer. While you might be handling everything else around a home improvement project or property design on your own, conveyancing is not a DIY job. A good conveyancer ensures that all legal checks are completed, contracts are properly prepared, and potential pitfalls are identified before exchange.

If you’re a renovation-savvy professional or creative who's spent months designing the perfect space, you wouldn’t want your hard work to go to waste due to legal complications. A quality conveyancer makes sure you don’t inherit unresolved issues with the property, such as unpaid ground rent, unclear boundaries, or planning permission restrictions.

For professionals in trade, the efficiency and correctness of the conveyancing process also determine when you can actually begin work on a new project. Inaccurate searches or delayed paperwork can slow down planned timelines considerably.

So, choosing the right person to handle your conveyancing is every bit as vital as selecting high-quality building materials or finishes for your renovation project.

Solicitor vs. Licensed Conveyancer: What’s the Difference?

Many property buyers and sellers in the UK find themselves asking whether they need a solicitor or a conveyancer, and what the difference is between the two. In short, both are qualified to carry out property transactions, but there are some distinctions worth noting.

For most standard house purchases, a licensed conveyancer is fully qualified to handle the process. However, if your property legal needs tie into family law, inheritance, or business issues, a solicitor might be more appropriate. This is especially useful for young couples buying homes together or professionals investing in property while managing business interests.

How to Find a Good Conveyancer

There’s no shortage of options when it comes to finding a licensed conveyancer or property solicitor in the UK, but narrowing down the right choice takes some research. Start by asking for personal recommendations. Your architect, interior designer, or construction contractor may have worked with trustworthy conveyancers in the past—people they know are responsive and thorough.

You can also search directories from recognised legal bodies such as the Law Society (for solicitors) or the Council for Licensed Conveyancers. These directories allow you to verify a professional’s credentials and client reviews.

Another route is to explore local online property forums. Platforms like Mumsnet, Reddit, or Houzz UK often have threads dedicated to property purchase journeys, where real users share their conveyancing experiences. Pay attention to mentions of speed, clarity of communication, and problem-solving abilities.

When contacting conveyancers, ask lots of questions before committing. Inquire about their current workload, turnaround times for documentation, and how they prefer to communicate—with deadlines looming, you’ll want someone who responds quickly via email or phone. For tradesmen balancing a busy client schedule, accessibility is critical.

Key Questions to Ask Before Hiring

Before you sign a contract with any conveyancer or solicitor, arm yourself with information. Asking the right questions can save you money, time, and stress down the line:

• What is your flat rate or fee structure? Look out for hidden add-ons like bank transfer fees or search handling charges.
• How will you communicate with me? Do they use email, phone or an online portal? You'll want fast, clear communication throughout.
• What is your availability over the next two months? Knowing their caseload ensures they won’t be overloaded and slow to respond.
• Are you experienced with the type of property I’m buying? Examples: listed buildings, leaseholds, shared ownership homes.
• Can you provide a timeline of the conveyancing process? This shows they’re organised and help you align with any renovation plans.

As a homeowner or design professional managing a project, these factors will directly impact how comfortably and quickly you move forward with your build, decor or investment goals.

Red Flags to Watch Out For

While there are many excellent conveyancers across the UK, there are also those best avoided. If the professional you’re considering seems vague or unresponsive during the initial conversation, take that as an early warning sign. Communication issues now will only get worse when things get busy during exchange and completion.

Also, avoid conveyancers recommended by estate agents unless you’ve done your own research. Some agents receive referral fees for pushing certain providers, and the solicitor may feel more loyal to the agent than you. Make sure your interests come first.

Another red flag is a quote that seems unusually low. Experienced tradesmen know that cutting corners upfront often leads to problems later. Cheaper conveyancing quotes may come from overburdened firms that rely on automated processes instead of personal service—a risky choice for any property purchase.

Finally, beware of any solicitor or conveyancer who pressures you to sign quickly without understanding your needs. If you're investing time in designing the perfect project space or renovation, your legal protection is worth a thoughtful review.

Final Thoughts

Choosing the right conveyancer is as crucial to your property transaction as selecting the best trade tools, blueprint, or materials. Whether you’re a DIY renovation lover, a young couple creating your first dream home, or a seasoned tradesperson planning your next build—working with a skilled, responsive conveyancer sets the foundation for a hassle-free journey.

Take time to research, compare, and ask questions. Getting the legals right doesn’t just protect your investment—it gives you peace of mind to focus on what you do best: designing, building, creating and living well in your home.