Should we go with the developer's recommended solictors?

BeenThroughItAll

DON'T use the builder's solicitor.


We're due to complete on a new build on Friday, and we used our own choice of solicitor which has proved to be twice the price of the builder's, but if we'd used theirs we'd have been forced to sign the standard contract, which was incredibly unfair to the point of being almost unenforceable.


Our solicitor (plus pressure and complaints from us) has been able to get us the contract amended to make it equitable, which means we don't end up screwed by the builder if anything goes wrong. The standard contract left us liable to all kinds of penalties, technically even if there was a problem for which the developer was responsible.


I'd recommend a *proper* firm of solicitors every time for conveyancing, rather than the builder's choice or an internet firm.

J5891

OK guys.

I will post a new thread asking for recommendations especially in the Gloucester area.

Thanks for the help.

Thrugelmir

If you are obtaining a mortgage. The solicitor needs to be on the lenders panel.

ging84

i'm usually the first to reach for the tinfoil, but i'm going to have to disagree with everyone and say unless you have a good local firm you already trust then recommended solicitors may well be your best option, certainly a better option that choosing an unknown internet conveyancing company, particularly when the internet company appears to be a broker reselling the services of other companies.
You can worry about will my conveyancer be reluctant to rock the boat with someone who brings them lots of work, but at least you can be fairly certain you will be getting a conveyancer with knowledge of your site and has worked with your developer on many similar transactions in the past. with an internet conveyancer you can't even be certain they're a real law firm

AnnieO1234

Your best option if you know a solicitor local to you now is ask if they have any recommendations.

Have a look on the law society website for local firms, you're certainly bette off as they will be more aware of the foibles of the area. For example, a number of older homes in Sheffield must have coal searches done and have flying freeholds. Whilst not complex a such, it would be easier and therefore less likelihood of a mistake being made.

But please as others have said, and I will repeat, don't use the developers solicitor as a PP has rightly pointed out they're only interested in continuing their relationship with the builder and will not be acting in your best interest whatsoever.

Xxx