Conveyancer - Local vs Any?

changup

Dear forum,
Is there any advice on which conveyancer to hire - local vs non-local? Also, is it advisable to get the agent's solicitors or any harm in getting any other? 

Thanks in advance.

btcp

Any. Good idea to get a few quotes, as mine differed by a thousand pounds. 

Redwino222

Get recommendations - it’s important to get firms that will be proactive, keep you informed and push things forward.  

i had a nightmare situation with a rubbish conveyancer. Get quotes, ask the estate agent why they recommend this solicitor, is it because they do a good job, or because they get commission.

the cheapest is rarely the best.

niceguyed

Considering you never usually meet your solicitor anyway as it's all done via phone/email/online tracking doesn't really make any difference local v national. Although I prefer local as I can drop off docs and like to support local firms. 
I'd avoid large online conveyancing firms and steer clear of your agent's solicitor. You want someone looking after your interests and not the agents. 

AdrianC

I'd always go with local, because they know any wrinkles that might apply. Also, nationals tend to be mass-produced chain-conveyance factories, and I prefer the attention of an actual individual.

Yes, it might cost a little more. In the grand scheme of the house purchase cost, how big a percentage?

As for the EA's recommendation... NEVER.

Remember, the EA is paid when the sale completes. The EA was hired by the vendor.
Your solicitor is the ONLY person who is on your side in the purchase... Why do you want that compromised by them having a tie to the vendor's EA's incentive to get the sale across the line...?

Tiglet2

Get a recommended solicitor and by that, I mean a solicitor that someone you know has used, not the Agent preferred solicitor. 

Get a few quotes and see how responsive they are.  When comparing quotes, check what is included as not all conveyancers include the same.  Some quote a cheap price but any "extra" to the basic price comes with an extra fee.

Online conveyancers will expect you to be computer literate, uploading documents to their case management tracker, using the firm's portal for messaging and be able to post original signed documents.  If you would rather see them in person to drop off paperwork, go for a local firm.

Lastly, do not base your choice purely on the price.  Cheap prices often mean large volume work and many clients.