Conveyancer vs solicitor: What’s the difference?

What is conveyancing?

Conveyancing is the legal process that must be undertaken to bring about a transfer of property ownership from one individual to another.

The time when people are most likely to take part in conveyancing is when they are moving home – the conveyancing process aims to ensure the transfer takes place in a way that is fair to both buyers and sellers.

What is a conveyancing solicitor?

A conveyancing solicitor is a fully qualified lawyer who specialises in helping clients to buy and sell properties.

Is a conveyancer a solicitor?

A conveyancer is not a solicitor; they are, however, trained in the conveyancing process and may hold a different qualification and so are able to handle the buying and selling of properties.

What is the difference between a conveyancer and a solicitor?

The main difference is that a solicitor may also be trained in other areas of law other than just the conveyancing process.

Do I need a solicitor if I have a conveyancer?

For most property sales, a solicitor and conveyancer would both be capable of supporting you through the process and so there would be no need to appoint both.

Solicitor vs conveyancer: which is best to choose?

While conveyancers are usually capable of guiding you through the process of buying and selling property, there may be occasions when it is preferable to approach a conveyancing solicitor.

A solicitor, for example, may be able to provide assistance in other areas where you require support – for example, drafting a will or drawing up a cohabiting agreement.

In addition, in cases where the property transfer is more complex than usual (such as where there is a dispute over the ownership of one of the properties) then it may again be more beneficial to appoint a solicitor due to their broader legal experience.

Conveyancer vs solicitor UK

Should you be anticipating a relatively straightforward conveyancing process with no additional legal matters to consider, then a conveyancer or solicitor may both be suitable to provide the help you require.

In deciding who to appoint, however, there are a number of other factors that should be considered.

Cost

A number of conveyancers and solicitors attempt to attract clients by quoting relatively low initial prices for the conveyancing process. In some cases, however, the final figure may include a number of hidden extras which result in you paying significantly more than you had been expecting.

Customer service

Buying and selling property can be a stressful experience and so it is vital that you appoint a legal expert who will ease the strain by making the conveyancing process as quick and smooth as possible while also being happy to provide regular updates on their progress.

Locality

While it is easy to keep in touch by phone and email, many people still find it reassuring to use a local legal expert who they can call in to see should they have any concerns. In addition, using a solicitor or conveyancer based in your area means they are likely to have a good knowledge of the local housing market which they can use to anticipate and resolve any potential problems.

Links with the industry

Carrying out the conveyancing on your property transaction will involve liaising with a range of industry professionals. Choosing someone with strong links with third parties such as lenders and surveyors can help the process run more smoothly.

Reputation and quality assurance

When considering potential candidates to carry out your conveyancing it is also important to check whether they belong to any quality assurance schemes that reflect a commitment to excellence.

How can Wilson Browne help me with my conveyancing?

At Wilson Browne, our expert team of conveyancing solicitors has a wealth of experience when it comes to guiding people through the process of moving home.

We have an excellent reputation for customer service and are highly rated in independent reviews as well as belonging to the Lexcel and QCSquality assurance schemes.

In addition, Wilson Browne has strong links with local lenders and a close working relationship with other industry professionals.

With offices in Corby, Higham Ferrers and Rushden, Kettering, Leicester, Northampton and Wellingborough we are bristling with local knowledge and can offer you a friendly face-to-face meeting at a convenient location.

Our first chat is free and we will always be totally transparent about future costs so that you can make an informed decision.

For more information, please call 0800 088 6004 or complete our online contact form.