Does the Solicitor have to live in your town?

angeldiva

HI all

I hope you are well on this October morning I had a few questions, I hope you are able to help.

I am selling a property (not buying a new one) and I am looking for a solicitor.

I notice that the ones in London are way more expensive to the ones outside London.

Would you recommend using a solicitor that is not local to you?

Do you need to go there at any point during the selling process.
Also how would you recommend finding a solicitor?

Loopy28

When I purchased my current property I used a solicitor 200 miles away.

They were competitive and came recommended.

The transaction was quick and trouble free. The only difference is you will need to send document recorded delivery, but mine were all sent back recorded delivery.

reehsetin

Never met mine and they weren't local - they were recommended and we didn't have any issues

They were still close enough that we could go if we had to but we were lucky

laughingcow81

We are based in London and we previously used a solicitor based in Sheffield. She came recommended and it all went smoothly.

stator

You can use a solicitor anywhere, but beware of the cut price internet quotes, they have awful reviews.

If you have a good personal recommendation from someone outside London, why not go for it?

kingstreet

All the family use my pet solicitor here in Stafford.

That's our last two sales and purchases and client referrals.

My sister in law's sale on the Wirral and purchase in London, followed by a sale of that property and purchase in Windsor.

My mother in law sold in Manchester and my other sister in law bought in Brentford.

It's cheaper to get the train to Stafford for a single meet with their conveyancer than it is to use a London firm. The service is first class too.

eddddy

I use a solicitor who is 140 miles away from me, because as you say, he is much cheaper.

Make sure the solicitor you pick is happy to make full use of email.

e.g. My solicitor scans and emails documents at the same time as posting them. So I've normally read the document before the hard copy arrives, so I can sign it and return it immediately.

Similarly, my solicitor told me that if I scan and email a signed document to him, he will 'get things started' before the actual hard copy arrives at his office.

I guess the downside is that if a last-minute problem arises, you can't pop into the office to sign something. But I've never needed to.

I have never visited a solicitor's office (or at least not in relation to a property purchase/sale!).

Mattygroves2

Have done at least 5 sales / purchases through a solicitor about 50 miles away. I've never met them, my OH has but not in connection with our transactions. All dealt with through post or e mail and even letters on occasion !

Don't pick someone just from a google search though - ask around for a recommendation and make sure they will be acceptable to your lender.

angeldiva

Thank you all for your kind replies this has helped make my mind up.

Unfortunately i don't really have anyone to ask about who they used. But if you have someone you think is brilliant please PM me

I will give the few that I have seen a call to get a feel for their services and charges.

benjus

The main advantage of a local one is that you can see them in person to present ID, sign documents, etc, which otherwise would need to be done by post (probably Special Delivery) increasing the cost and time.

But if you know a good one that isn't local, probably better to stick with them.

longwalks1

you got PM angeldiva