Compare conveyancing solicitors
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Our partner Movemnt can find the best conveyancer for you.
How to compare conveyancers and solicitors with Uswitch and Movemnt
Add your property details
Provide a few basic details on the property you’re looking to buy or sell (or both). This will only take 2 minutes.
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Instantly get quotes from a reliable conveyancing panel with no hidden costs.
Choose a solicitor
Connect with a certified conveyancer for a stress-free home buying or selling experience.
Why do I need a conveyancing solicitor?
You're getting a property law expert
Conveyancers and solicitors who specialise in conveyancing are experts in a complicated legal area with a complex process. A conveyancer will need to:

Review all legal documents
Manage local authority and environmental searches
Check contracts drawn up by a seller’s conveyancer
Work with your mortgage lender to make sure all the necessary information has been provided
Pay any related fees and register you as the new owner with the Land Registry
You’re covered by their insurance
Legal experts have negligence insurance to protect you if things go wrong, which can happen during a complex home transaction. If you try to handle conveyancing on your own, you might be personally responsible for any errors, leading to unexpected legal expenses.
You save on time and stress
The conveyancing process can be long and complex, but with an experienced solicitor, it becomes hassle-free. An experienced conveyancing solicitor will take on that burden and turn it into a seamless process. They’ll keep you well-informed throughout the buying or selling journey. It’s not worth taking the risk of trying to do it yourself, when any mistakes can cause delays or cost you significant amounts of money.
You won’t worry about difficult discussions
You won't need to contact the other party's solicitor directly. Your solicitor will handle all communication on your behalf. They're experts in asking the right questions, acting in your best interests, and skilfully negotiating for your benefit to ensure a smooth home transaction.
Are conveyancers and solicitors different?
Fundamentally, they both provide a similar service when it comes to buying and selling a property. Conveyancers will specialise in property law, with intricate knowledge of buying and selling properties. A solicitor is a qualified lawyer who might offer a range of legal expertise including, but not limited to, property law. So it’s worth checking their experience specifically with property transactions.
Both are regulated, but by different bodies. Conveyancers are regulated by the Council for Licensed Conveyancers, whereas solicitors are regulated by the Solicitors Regulation Authority. So you have protections whichever you decide to use.
Mortgage lenders can also stipulate they’ll only work with conveyancers with certain accreditations. So be sure to check beforehand.
Due to their range of legal expertise, solicitors can have higher fees but may be able to advise if your sale or purchase has more complexity.
How long does conveyancing take?
The conveyancing process will typically take several weeks when buying a home. It all depends on the complexity of the purchase. For selling a home, it typically takes around 12 to 16 weeks for the legal process to complete. It can take longer if you’re part of a long chain or a complex sale. The Movemnt network of accredited conveyancers will keep you up to date on progress.
How long do house conveyancing searches take?
On average, these can take two to three weeks. If a local authority is backlogged, it can take longer, such as up to six weeks.
Conveyancing is different in Scotland
The Scottish legal system handles property transactions differently than England and Wales, so it’s important to be familiar with it. You can see more about Scotland’s conveyancing process on the Law Society of Scotland’s website.
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What can delay house conveyancing?
Property chains require seamless communication between buyers, sellers, multiple solicitors, estate agents, mortgage lenders, and local government officials. A delay from just one person, whether they are slow to sign a document, missing a piece of paperwork, or away on holiday, can stall the entire chain.Â
Furthermore, if a survey uncovers an unexpected issue like structural subsidence or damp, the completion date will likely be pushed back while prices or repairs are renegotiated. A proactive, highly communicative solicitor is your best defense against these bottlenecks.
How can I speed up my house conveyancing?
| Scope out communication preferences | Request that your conveyancing firm communicates via email or an online portal instead of post |
| Prep your documents early | Gather your essential paperwork (such as ID, proof of deposit, and bank statements) before they are requested so your mortgage broker or lender can process your application without delays |
| Sign and scan immediately | Return paperwork quickly when you need to sign and return documents |
| Follow up as needed | Confirm receipt of your documents and check in regularly with your solicitor to ensure no queries are left unanswered |