Choose Your Conveyancing Solicitor Wisely When Purchasing a Property
The solicitor you choose can make or break your property purchase. A good conveyancer keeps things moving, while the wrong one can cause delays, stress, and even lost sales. Here’s how to choose wisely and ensure your move stays on track.
Buying a property is one of the most exciting and stressful milestones in life. While most buyers focus on finding the perfect home and securing their mortgage, one decision is often overlooked: choosing the right conveyancing solicitor.
At MP Estates, we’ve seen firsthand how the solicitor you instruct can make the difference between a smooth transaction and a frustrating, delayed process. Here’s why it matters, what to look out for, and how to make the right choice.
Why Your Solicitor Choice Matters
The conveyancing solicitor is responsible for the legal transfer of the property. They carry out searches, liaise with the seller’s solicitor, check title deeds, and handle contracts and completion. If they are efficient, proactive, and communicative, the process can run smoothly.
Suppose they are slow, unresponsive, or overloaded with work. In such cases, delays are inevitable, and these delays can result in financial losses, stress, and, in some instances, even the loss of the property itself.
The Risks of Choosing Poorly
It’s tempting to choose the cheapest solicitor or one recommended by an online comparison site. But the old saying “you get what you pay for” often applies here. The risks include:
- Delays: Some budget firms operate as “conveyancing factories” with hundreds of cases per solicitor, meaning your file isn’t a priority.
- Poor communication: Lack of updates leaves buyers anxious and in the dark.
- Errors: Inexperienced staff may miss important details, leading to costly mistakes later.
- Chain collapse: If your solicitor drags their heels, your seller (or buyer, if you’re in a chain) may lose patience and withdraw.
What to Look for in a Good Solicitor
1. Local Knowledge
Choose a solicitor familiar with the South Ockendon and Essex market. Local knowledge can expedite the process, especially when dealing with leasehold properties, management companies, or local authority searches.
2. Clear Communication
Your solicitor should provide regular updates and respond promptly to calls or emails. Look for firms that assign you a direct point of contact rather than a generic team inbox.
3. Efficiency and Technology
The best conveyancers combine experience with modern technology. Online case tracking portals and e-signatures can save time, but they should also be backed up by proactive case management.
4. Recommendations You Trust
Take recommendations from your estate agent, friends, or family who have had good experiences. At MP Estates, we only recommend solicitors that we know consistently deliver excellent service.
How to Avoid Common Pitfalls
- Don’t just choose the cheapest option — consider value, not price.
- Avoid firms that can’t tell you who your dedicated contact will be.
- Ask upfront about their average completion times and communication style.
- Check reviews, but focus on recent ones to see their current performance.
The Role of Your Estate Agent
At MP Estates, we work closely with trusted conveyancing partners. Because we communicate daily with solicitors, we can spot potential problems early and help keep your purchase on track. We’ve learned which firms deliver results and which ones struggle, and we only recommend those that we’d use ourselves.
Final Thoughts
Choosing the right conveyancing solicitor is just as important as finding the right property or mortgage. Get it wrong, and you risk delays, stress, and even losing the home you’ve set your heart on. Get it right, and your journey to homeownership will be faster, smoother, and far less stressful.
Looking to buy a home in South Ockendon? Let M&P Estates help you make the right choices from start to finish. We work with trusted conveyancing partners who deliver excellent service, ensuring your purchase proceeds smoothly.
