Conveyancing

enidmarples

I have just put my flat on the market and the estate agent is (predictably) promoting their conveyancing service. The charges seem reasonable. I contacted a local solicitor that had been recommended but they have so far not responded to my request for a quote which is not encouraging! I have used another solicitor in the past but was not particularly impressed. Have never used a conveyancing service linked to the EA. Any thoughts? Thanks.

snazzlebee

I'm using one at the moment, because it seemed the only way to potentially get it through before stamp duty. I considered that the EA would find it easier to push them if it's people in the same company! We've benefitted most from the fact that they actually work weekends, so, for instance we got the result of the searches through Sunday afternoon. So I think it really varies firm to firm. 

princeofpounds

It's likely to be a big conveyancing 'factory' somewhere. Lots of conveyancers working under a solicitor-manager on a remote basis somewhere. They can be ok if the job is straightforward, but they are often frustrating if something goes wrong and there is a glitch in the system.

Personally I would want somewhere I can have more direct contact with, particularly given that with a flat you are likely to have the added complication of a freeholder to work with. But that doesn't mean that the service level of any particular local firm is necessarily better (as you have found out!).

Conveyancers have a poor reputation for service and speed, and that's only been made worse with Covid and the stamp duty deadlines. 

Natbag

Yes, they are not great. They are slow, don't return calls, don't respond to emails, avoid answering your questions. Every stage takes much longer than it should. We had a complicated issue in our chain on which she'd pretty much given up, and it was left to the house buyer to sort themselves. I wish I'd checked their reviews online first, they are terrible. I went with them as they had represented a party in a previous house buying chain I was in, and that went through quickly, so I assumed they must be ok.
It's going to vary though. Check reviews, ask people for recommendations, and go with service over price.

teachfast

Natbag said:

Yes, they are not great. They are slow, don't return calls, don't respond to emails, avoid answering your questions. Every stage takes much longer than it should. We had a complicated issue in our chain on which she'd pretty much given up, and it was left to the house buyer to sort themselves. I wish I'd checked their reviews online first, they are terrible. I went with them as they had represented a party in a previous house buying chain I was in, and that went through quickly, so I assumed they must be ok.
It's going to vary though. Check reviews, ask people for recommendations, and go with service over price.

It's exactly the same with many solicitors. No pride in the profession 

Tiglet2

Is the EA linked conveyancer actually part of the same company as the EA, or are they a firm of solicitors nearby that they recommend, but are completely separate (apart from a possible referral fee)?

Conveyancing solicitors are generally working flat out at the moment and many are not taking on new clients.  If they are taking on new clients do check that they have suitable capacity for your transaction as many of the factory conveyancing firms just take on more and more work and struggle to cope with the demands on their time.

Jimmithecat

I have been using the conveyancer recommended by the EA (they get £200 referral fee I believe) and I have been very happy with the service - £1000 cheaper than using a local conveyancer - dealing with 1 person who answers calls and emails within 10 minutes and is really on the ball - we just exchanged today 8 weeks since we made our offer - so worth every Penny and I would not hesitate to use them again

Raneynickel4

Jimmithecat said:

I have been using the conveyancer recommended by the EA (they get £200 referral fee I believe) and I have been very happy with the service - £1000 cheaper than using a local conveyancer - dealing with 1 person who answers calls and emails within 10 minutes and is really on the ball - we just exchanged today 8 weeks since we made our offer - so worth every Penny and I would not hesitate to use them again

Mind sharing the name of the firm? 

musehead

I would definitely check reviews and compare to other companies. A lot of people here suggest using a recommended local firm, however I find this advice difficult because there are very few reviews for local firms and the experience of one person may not be representative. I'd be happy to use a non-local (not necessarily "online") firm based on their reviews from various sources and have done in the past.

Jimmithecat

Raneynickel4 said:

Jimmithecat said:

I have been using the conveyancer recommended by the EA (they get £200 referral fee I believe) and I have been very happy with the service - £1000 cheaper than using a local conveyancer - dealing with 1 person who answers calls and emails within 10 minutes and is really on the ball - we just exchanged today 8 weeks since we made our offer - so worth every Penny and I would not hesitate to use them again

Mind sharing the name of the firm? 

https://clglaw.co.uk/

I’ve just got my closing statement today and tbh I was expecting some extra charges as their service seemed too good to be true - but it was the same fixed price they promised - so I’m very happy to recommend!

purplebutterfly

My vendor is using the conveyancer linked to their online EA.   3 weeks in and they haven't yet been allocated a specific conveyancer to deal with their account, they are still in the "new business dept" awaiting allocation.  My local independent solicitor has been chasing them every three days since we instructed him on the day the sale was agreed. 

No draft contract because the vendors still haven't received the client care package. 

The EA tried to sell us on the same conveyancer saying they would give a discounted rate of £995 all in.  That's £30 more expensive than my local conveyancer who is in constant contact with us and always available by phone.