Buying or selling a home can be overwhelming, especially if it’s not something you’ve done before. From arranging viewings and negotiating offers to sorting out your mortgage, several key steps are involved in the process.
Estate agents, mortgage advisers, and property solicitors each have a role in keeping things moving and reducing stress where possible. So, it’s undeniably important to choose the right professionals to guide you through. This doesn’t necessarily mean you should instruct the first team recommended to you, and it’s essential to have someone you can trust handle the legal side of one of the biggest transactions you will ever make.
What Does a Property Solicitor Do?
A property solicitor, also known as a conveyancing solicitor, handles the legal side of buying, selling, remortgaging or transferring a property. They prepare and review legal documents, conduct title and local authority searches, and provide legal advice on all property matters.
They also liaise with your estate agent, mortgage lender, the other party’s solicitor and their estate agent, as well as third parties like the Land Registry. Ultimately, their role is to protect your interests, highlight risks, and keep the transaction legally compliant from start to finish.
Do You Have to Use the Solicitors Recommended by Estate Agents?
This is a question most buyers and sellers will ask, and the short answer is no, you don’t have to use the property solicitors recommended by your estate agent. There is no legal requirement to follow their suggestion, and you can instruct a firm of your choice.
You shouldn’t feel pressured into using a particular firm, especially if they don’t feel like the right fit. Estate agents will often recommend certain conveyancing solicitors as the “easiest” option, but it’s beneficial to compare alternatives and decide who you want to handle the legal work. Choosing your own solicitor can give you more confidence and control over the process.
Why do Estate Agents Recommend Particular Solicitors?
Estate agents usually recommend particular solicitors for familiarity, speed and commercial relationships. Regularly working with the same conveyancing team makes it easier for them to get updates, chase progress and keep the chain moving, which can reduce the risk of transactions falling through.
Sometimes, there will also be formal arrangements between estate agents and law firms. For example, the firm might pay a referral fee when an agent refers clients to them. You are entitled to ask whether any referral fee is being paid, and how much, so you can see whether you’re being recommended because of service quality, a commercial incentive, or both.
Can you Choose your Own Property Solicitor?
Yes, you can choose your own solicitor to guide you through the conveyancing process, whether or not they were introduced by an estate agent. You can choose a firm based on experience, location, recommendations, online reviews and your own impressions from initial conversations.
The process of choosing a property solicitor usually starts by requesting quotes from a few firms. When comparing these, look beyond the final price and check what’s included in the legal fees and what will be charged as disbursements. Also, check whether the firm uses fixed-fee pricing or whether there will be additional costs for specific issues.
It’s beneficial to look at how the firm works in practice. For example, some are online-only solicitors, whereas others will be happy to meet you face-to-face at their offices. When it comes to communication, secure client portals can be useful too, allowing you to track progress, upload documents and receive updates at any time. Think about which approach fits your preferences and how quickly you want your matter to move.
What to Look For When Choosing a Solicitor
Instructing the right solicitor can make a significant difference to how straightforward your move feels. When comparing options, consider the following:
- Experience in property transactions, including the type of property you’re buying or selling, for example, leasehold flats, new builds or shared ownership.
- Fixed-fee pricing with transparent costs, including third-party costs such as Land Registry fees, Stamp Duty Land Tax, and Drainage and Environmental searches.
- Accreditations, such as the Law Society’s Conveyancing Quality Scheme (CQS), which recognises firms that meet the highest standards of client care and technical ability.
- Communication style, including how quickly they respond, whether you have a dedicated team and named contact, and how they keep you updated throughout the transaction.
- Independent reviews and testimonials from previous clients, which can give you a better insight into service quality and reliability.
As an example, one buyer might choose a low-cost online-only service recommended by their estate agent, only to find updates are infrequent and queries take days to answer. Another buyer might opt for a CQS-accredited firm with a client portal and fixed fees, resulting in prompt replies, fewer surprises and a more efficient experience from offer to completion.
Instructing Property Solicitors in the West Midlands
At Ubique Legal, we have a dedicated team of property solicitors based in Redditch, assisting clients across the West Midlands. We are proud to be CQS-accredited and regulated by the Solicitors Regulation Authority, reflecting our dedication to delivering the highest standards. When you instruct us to handle the conveyancing process, you will benefit from fixed-fee pricing with no hidden costs, along with a user-friendly online portal providing 24/7 access to your case.
Our residential conveyancing team handles purchases, sales, remortgages and transfers of equity, acting as a bridge between buyers, sellers, lenders and estate agents to keep matters moving smoothly. We provide clear, practical legal advice and regular updates, helping you make informed decisions at each stage.
If you’re unsure whether to follow your estate agent’s recommendation, you can contact Ubique Legal directly for a residential conveyancing quote and an initial discussion about your move. You can compare our approach and pricing against any other firms you’re considering, so you can choose the property solicitors that feel right for you.
