Abode - online conveyancing - anyone used them?

travel_freak

Hi there,

I've just come across a website https://www.abode.co.uk.

They do online conveyancing - they don't do it themselves but they have an arrangement with a number of firms and once you give them your details they quote you and then instruct a firm for you.

The quote is really cheap compared to others I've had and it's no completion, no fee plus, no charges for postages, and all the other myriad of things that solicitors usually quote extra for.

The price and all of their promises just seems a bit too good to be true so I was wondering if anyone has used them and could comment/recommend?

Many thanks.

Regards

travel_freak

Me again, just thought it would be useful to post some of the stuff they claim so people might be able to better comment.

The quote is about £300 cheaper so it is a big deal.

"There are absolutely no hidden extras

no completion, no fee
includes completing Stamp Duty Land Tax
Includes professional indemnity
includes dealing with mortgage lender's conveyancing
no charge for expedited completion after exchange
Includes buy to let and leasehold
includes all administration and legal fees
Fixed fee rates
includes postage, photcopying
use of online case tracking
includes email and sms text message updates
includes exact local search fees not estimates

Says that they don't use one man band firms or conveyancing factories, only 25-yr established firms.

Also says that no meetings are necessary

I'm really keen to instruct them but would be interested to hear if anyone has any good or bad experiences with them first.

Thanks again.

Manchester_Lucy

I've gone with Conveyancing Warehouse after several recommendations.

https://www.conveyancing-warehouse.com

Financially_Prudent

Conveyancer appointed via abode, abode were £300 cheaper than the quote provided by the company we used to buy our first house.

Very impressed so far, e-mails confirming receipt of documents. Swift turn around of documents.

Only just started the process but so far so good.

The company we were allocated was Beaumont Legal.

HouseHunter_2

another vote here for conveyancing warehouse. Just exchanged (finally) and throughout they were extremely approachable, proactive and communicative, which is more than can be said for other solicitors I have used. (and the others in the chain!)
Really, really cheap as well.

DarkHorse

I used Abode, and they were absolutly great. Cannot complain as they did what they were asked to do, and a lot cheaper than the high street.

angelface

I've just checked the warehouse site one (couldn't access abode site) and there are caveats on the FAQs page - you pay more for leasehold, another £75, if its a flat or maisonette another £125 etc, (for me would grow steadily more expensive)

Manchester_Lucy

travel_freak wrote:

Hi there,

I've just come across a website https://www.abode.co.uk.

The website is http://www.abodeconveyancing.co.uk

travel_freak

Thanks for everyone's replies.

Abode have just offered me a trainee solicitor (which I don't really want) or double (!!) the quote for a qualified solicitor so I'm going to try others - will give conveyancing warehouse a try. Thanks.

Regards

Mrs_Optimist

Just a thought Travel Freak but in your shoes I would definately use the Trainee Solicitor if its cheaper. All Trainees MUST be supervised by a fully Qualified Solicitor (or else who is training them??) and in my experience in my line of work (Law) they will bend over backwards to keep a client happy because they want the firm they are training in to take them on once they are fully qualifed. Also they have just learnt the process new and so won't have developed any bad habits.

A_Nice_Englishman

I suspect that most of the work is carried out by office staff rather than qualified or trainee solicitors. The point is, the solicitor is responsible and can be sued if he / his staff mess up.

What is the advantage of using one of these online referral sites over going to a solicitor direct?

Trade Union Unison offer 'cut price' conveyancing to their members. In fact this means a referral to, in my case, Thomsons Solicitors. Does anyone have experience of Thomsons?