Online Conveyancing or a Local Solicitor? What to Consider When Choosing a Conveyancer
Buying or selling a home is likely to be one of the biggest financial transactions you will ever make. Choosing who handles the legal side of your move is therefore an important decision – and one that shouldn’t necessarily be based on price alone.
Today, there are more options than ever. Alongside traditional local solicitors, there are large online conveyancing providers offering competitive fixed-price packages and digital platforms designed to manage much of the process online.
Online conveyancing can work well for some people, particularly those who are comfortable managing their transaction digitally. However, before choosing a conveyancer, it is worth looking beyond the initial quote and considering what level of service and support you will receive throughout your move.
Price is important – but so is the service behind it
When comparing conveyancing quotes, it can be tempting to simply choose the lowest figure.
Some online providers operate at significant scale, allowing them to offer highly competitive headline or fixed prices. There is nothing inherently wrong with this model, but it is important to understand exactly what is included within your quote and how your transaction will be managed.
Check the small print
Many quotes from online conveyancers appear to be cheap, however they hide many additional fees within this small print. These can include file storage (which is a legal requirement), arranging any indemnity policies, completing less than a week after exchange of contracts. These additional fees can often make the costs more expensive than a high street firm.
Before instructing a conveyancer, consider asking:
- Who will actually be dealing with my sale or purchase?
- Will I have a named point of contact?
- Can I telephone or meet the person handling my transaction?
- How will I receive progress updates?
- Who deals with my matter if something unexpected arises?
- What is included within the quoted fee and could additional charges arise?
The answers can be just as important as the initial price.
The value of having someone you can speak to
Property transactions don’t always follow a predictable path.
Issues can arise with searches, surveys, mortgages, property boundaries, leasehold information, planning matters, chains or enquiries from another solicitor.
And sometimes the issue isn’t particularly complicated – you simply want to know what is happening with your move.
With some high-volume conveyancing models, communication may predominantly take place through an online portal or central team. For clients who are happy working this way, that may be perfectly suitable.
Others value knowing who is handling their matter and being able to speak directly to someone who understands their transaction.
At A R Brown & Co, we believe that personal communication remains an important part of conveyancing. Being accessible means we can explain what is happening, answer questions and deal with concerns as they arise.
Continuity throughout your property transaction
Another factor worth considering is continuity.
A property transaction involves numerous stages, from reviewing the contract and searches through to raising enquiries, reporting to you, exchanging contracts and ultimately completing your move.
Having continuity throughout that process can be valuable.
Rather than having to explain your circumstances repeatedly, your conveyancer builds an understanding of your property, your priorities and any particular issues affecting the transaction.
This becomes especially important when something unexpected happens or a transaction becomes more complex.
Not every property transaction is straightforward
It is easy to think of conveyancing as an administrative process – particularly when everything is progressing smoothly.
However, the role of your conveyancer is not simply to process documents.
Through investigating title, carrying out searches and raising appropriate enquiries your conveyancer will identify potential problems and ensure you understand exactly what you are purchasing before becoming legally committed.
Issues may include:
Leasehold properties
Service charges, ground rent, lease restrictions and management arrangements may all require careful consideration.
Property alterations
Extensions, loft conversions or other works may raise questions regarding planning permission, building regulations or restrictive covenants.
Rights and boundaries
Rights of way, shared access, boundary arrangements and easements can affect how you use your property and lead to disputes with neighbours.
Mortgage requirements
Unless you are a cash buyer, your conveyancer will need to satisfy the requirements of your mortgage lender.
The property chain
Problems elsewhere in a chain can affect your own transaction and require communication between solicitors, estate agents, lenders and clients.
When complications arise, being able to discuss the issue with someone who understands both the law and your particular transaction can make a significant difference.
Can the choice of conveyancer affect how quickly you move?
No solicitor or conveyancer can guarantee how quickly a property transaction will complete.
The timescale depends upon numerous parties and factors, including the buyer, seller, mortgage lender, searches, surveyors, estate agents and other conveyancers within the chain.
However, good communication and proactive case management can help prevent avoidable delays.
Responding promptly, identifying issues early, chasing outstanding information and keeping everyone informed can all help maintain momentum.
This is another reason why it is worth asking about service levels and communication when choosing your conveyancer rather than considering price in isolation.
Technology and personal service don’t have to be opposites
Technology has made many parts of buying and selling property quicker and more convenient.
Digital identity checks, electronic documents and online communication can all make the conveyancing process more efficient, and we welcome technology where it improves the experience for our clients.
But digital convenience doesn’t have to replace personal service.
For many clients, the ideal combination is modern technology with access to an experienced person when they need advice, reassurance or an explanation.
Local knowledge can also help
Choosing a local solicitor can offer another advantage: familiarity with the area in which you are buying or selling.
Our property team regularly deals with transactions across Worthing and the surrounding West Sussex area and understands the local property market.
While local knowledge does not replace the legal investigations required on every transaction, familiarity with the area and its property can provide useful context and help us communicate effectively with other local professionals involved in a move.
Choosing the right conveyancer for you
There is no single conveyancing service that will be right for everybody.
An online service may suit someone who is confident managing much of their transaction digitally and is comfortable communicating primarily through a portal.
Others may place greater value on having a named contact, being able to pick up the telephone and having someone who understands their transaction from beginning to end.
The important thing is to understand what you are getting for your conveyancing fee before making your decision.
Buying or selling a property can be exciting, stressful and occasionally unpredictable. Having the right legal support alongside you can make the process considerably easier.
Buying or selling property in Worthing?
At A R Brown & Co, our experienced property team provides practical, approachable conveyancing advice to buyers and sellers in Worthing and the surrounding areas.
We combine efficient ways of working with the personal service you would expect from a local solicitors’ practice. If you are considering buying or selling a property and would like to discuss how we can help, please contact our team for an initial conversation and conveyancing quotation.
Our team include;
Sarah Dobson & Harry Killick – with the support of Ann Presslee & Sarah Ford
