Application Submitted - How long to instruct solictor

peppapig14

full application to Nationwide today.
With all the extended time frames and delays I have read on this forum - is it best to instruct solicitor to begin searches etc or should we wait untill offer received? 

Birdy54

We instructed our solicitor once the application was submitted so that they could begin their searches. Local Authority searches are taking around 4-6 weeks to come back at the minute so it's worth getting those requested in the meantime whilst waiting for your offer. 

Thrugelmir

Wait until offer received to commence work. Solicitor may request funds ready to commence searches immediately that the offer comes through.

shakAFC

I instructed my solicitor a few days after application went in. I submitted via a broker who don’t get paid until I get my offer, so I’m confident they placed me with a lender with a high acceptance chance.

ScottL45

Instructed a solicitor from the outset but not to proceed with any work until mortgage offer in hand

cooky123

Do not instruct solicitor until offer if your not in a rush as I had a valuation a month after application and then undervalued by 20k so fell through and I had paid now I have to pay again for new property 

SueF1

Depends if you're in a hurry or not. I instructed my solicitor when I applied for the mortgage.  Paid solicitor and just instructed searches. Obviously if you don't get the mortgage offer or it falls through for another reason (under valued as said above) you lose the money but it will severely delay proceedings if you wait until your offer is through.
I am in a hurry so had no option really but it's the risk you take.

penners324

I instructed solicitor the same as the house offer was accepted. I had 1 week from mortgage offer to exchange and then 2 days from exchange to completion.
From offering on the house to move in date took 6 weeks.