We'd like to remind Forumites to please avoid political debate on the Forum... Read More »
PLEASE READ BEFORE POSTING: Hello Forumites! In order to help keep the Forum a useful, safe and friendly place for our users, discussions around non-MoneySaving matters are not permitted per the Forum rules. While we understand that mentioning house prices may sometimes be relevant to a user's specific MoneySaving situation, we ask that you please avoid veering into broad, general debates about the market, the economy and politics, as these can unfortunately lead to abusive or hateful behaviour. Threads that are found to have derailed into wider discussions may be removed. Users who repeatedly disregard this may have their Forum account banned. Please also avoid posting personally identifiable information, including links to your own online property listing which may reveal your address. Thank you for your understanding.
We're aware that some users are experiencing technical issues which the team are working to resolve. See the Community Noticeboard for more info. Thank you for your patience.
📨 Have you signed up to the Forum's new Email Digest yet? Get a selection of trending threads sent straight to your inbox daily, weekly or monthly!
Need help choosing conveyancer
Options

Overdash
Posts: 40 Forumite

Hi all - hope everyone is ok despite the terrible past 10months we've had,
I've recently found a property I'd like to go ahead with and they require me to state which conveyancer I plan to use. I haven't selected one yet and (to no surprise) they presented me a panel of conveyancers they work with saying they've worked on the development since 2017 and "These solicitors have worked on many help to buy sales, and are aware of our strict exchange of contracts timescales given. Please see contact details and draft costs."
I was thinking on contacting an online conveyancer such as Bird and Co.
They proposed the following:
I have 28 days to exchange and need a Solicitor that's capable/competent at a decent price (not trying to be scammed at such damning times).
I have 48hrs to reply to the developers with my choice of conveyancer and broker. Thanks in advance to any/all help
EDIT: Added quotes
I've recently found a property I'd like to go ahead with and they require me to state which conveyancer I plan to use. I haven't selected one yet and (to no surprise) they presented me a panel of conveyancers they work with saying they've worked on the development since 2017 and "These solicitors have worked on many help to buy sales, and are aware of our strict exchange of contracts timescales given. Please see contact details and draft costs."
I was thinking on contacting an online conveyancer such as Bird and Co.
They proposed the following:
- ALEXANDER JLO SOLICITORS - Quoted £1,311.80 (with mortgage and HTB fees, otherwise £1,011 standalone)
- CAVENDISH - Quoted £1,266 (minus additional fees. With the other fees we're looking at about 1.9k in total, for HTB Charge, Full Search, Engrossment Fee and Notice of Charge)
- NEW HOMES LAW - Quoted £1,247.40 (Includes almost everything except the LR Disbursement)
- DIRECTION LAW - No Quote as of yet
- None of the quoted prices include the additional £270 Land Registry Disbursement I'd have to add.

I have 48hrs to reply to the developers with my choice of conveyancer and broker. Thanks in advance to any/all help

EDIT: Added quotes
0
Comments
-
I assume by 'they' you mean the developers? This is a New Build property?Do not use any conveyancer they recommend. Find your own. One who has no relationship with the developer and will act 100% in your interests without worrying about upsetting the developer if necessary.If by 'they' you mean your mortgage lender, then yes, you should use someone on their panel.The 28 day deadline is always quoted by developers, but basically as long as you proceed at a sensible speed, they will not pull out on day 29. Or day 30. Or....Why would they? They'd then need to find a new buyer and start the 28 day process again from scatch!1
-
greatcrested said:I assume by 'they' you mean the developers? This is a New Build property?
Good points raised here. Insightful. Thank you!0 -
What Greatcrested said. Do not use a conveyancing factory which is most likely in another part of the UK....they are cheaper for a reason! You may find it best to find a solicitor close to where you live or perhaps where the property is located if possible; for buying and selling we’ve taken in proof of our ID (passports and driving licences) to the solicitors’ offices rather than sending originals or notarized copies of the originals.
Ask around with family, friends or work colleagues if they’ve recently used a solicitor for conveyancing and if they would recommend him/her.1 -
New Homes Law are licensed conveyancers and there is a high turnover of staff. They do specialise in new builds so that is a plus point, but I would question their loyalties towards the developer who is bringing a lot of business their way. A lot of the people working there are not qualified, being supervised by the few that are, but I guess that is the case with a lot of conveyancing factories.
Please note that the 28 day exchange deadline is not usually met. Why would you want to rush through the purchase of an extremely expensive house? You and your solicitor need to do the due diligence needed to ensure you understand exactly what you are buying, rather than being rushed to sign contracts and exchange.
2 -
You guys are great help! Do you have any solicitors you'd recommend (buying in London)0
-
Have a look at McMillan Williams (MW) Solicitors - they have a few branches in the London area.
Another firm is Juno Property Lawyers, but this is not a recommendation as I have no personal experience of them.0 -
Are you purchasing with a mortgage?0
-
Thrugelmir said:Are you purchasing with a mortgage?0
-
Then contact a few local solicitors on your lenders panel list.1
-
Tiglet2 said:New Homes Law are licensed conveyancers and there is a high turnover of staff. They do specialise in new builds so that is a plus point, but I would question their loyalties towards the developer who is bringing a lot of business their way. A lot of the people working there are not qualified, being supervised by the few that are, but I guess that is the case with a lot of conveyancing factories.
Please note that the 28 day exchange deadline is not usually met. Why would you want to rush through the purchase of an extremely expensive house? You and your solicitor need to do the due diligence needed to ensure you understand exactly what you are buying, rather than being rushed to sign contracts and exchange.. As anyone else would be, I'm quite nervous as this is my first purchase so I'm really trying to avoid nightmare solicitors.
0
Confirm your email address to Create Threads and Reply

Categories
- All Categories
- 350.8K Banking & Borrowing
- 253K Reduce Debt & Boost Income
- 453.5K Spending & Discounts
- 243.8K Work, Benefits & Business
- 598.6K Mortgages, Homes & Bills
- 176.8K Life & Family
- 257.1K Travel & Transport
- 1.5M Hobbies & Leisure
- 16.1K Discuss & Feedback
- 37.6K Read-Only Boards