Do You Need a Solicitor to Buy a House?

When buying a property, you'll need to undergo a conveyancing process before you can move in. While this process can be lengthy, it's a legal requirement to ensure the sale and purchase of the property is carried out correctly.

In this article, we'll answer the question, 'Do you need a solicitor to buy a house?' and explain when to instruct a solicitor and how to find the right one.

Do You Need a Solicitor to Buy a House?

In short, the answer is no. Legally, you don't need a solicitor to buy a house. You can manage the process of buying a property without a solicitor.

However, doing your own conveyancing is a complex process and proceeding without conveyancing solicitors is not recommended by The Property Experts!

Unless you're an expert in DIY conveyancing and you know exactly what you're doing, it's best to hire a conveyancing solicitor to manage the process for you.

When Should I Contact a Solicitor?

After your offer on a property has been accepted, it's time to instruct your solicitor. Upon instruction, they'll start the conveyancing process for you to purchase the property. This includes ordering searches and liaising with the sellers' solicitor.

When you first start your property search, contact several solicitors for a quote. That way, once your offer has been accepted, the homebuying process can start immediately, and you have a good idea of the potential property solicitor fees for residential conveyancing.

To summarise, follow the following process:

• Start viewing properties

• Get 2-3 conveyancer quotes (you can ask us for a recommendation)

• Decide which solicitor you plan on using

• Make an offer on a property for sale

• Instruct your chosen conveyancer once the offer has been accepted

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How to Find an Expert Solicitor When Buying a Property

Working with a good solicitor can make the home-buying process less stressful and alleviate some of the legal paperwork involved. Before you decide who to work with, it's important to do your research to ensure you're using a reputable, licensed conveyancer.

To find a solicitor you can:

• Research online: Make sure you read reviews and check whether the conveyancer is licensed

• Visit solicitors on your local high street: If there are solicitors near you, call or drop by their offices to arrange a chat about their services

• Ask friends and family for recommendations: It's likely that someone you know has used a solicitor in the past, so ask around for recommendations

• Speak to the team at The Property Experts. We work with licensed conveyancers, so please do ask for contact details to arrange a personalised quote

Get Help Finding Your Next Home

Are you buying a property? The Property Experts are your local estate agents. If you need help finding your next home, our friendly team of agents is happy to take your call.

Get in touch today on 0330 179 8180 or email us at hello@thepropertyexperts.co.uk to arrange a callback.

In the meantime, we've answered some of your common questions about conveyancing.

Frequently Asked Questions About the Legal Process

Can I handle the conveyancing process myself?

While it's legally possible, we strongly advise against it due to the complexity of the conveyancing process, making hiring a solicitor the recommended choice. Ask us for our recommendations.

Is it necessary to contact a solicitor before making an offer on a property, or can I wait until after my offer is accepted?

It's advisable to contact a solicitor early in the process. Obtaining quotes and deciding on one before making an offer ensures a smoother transition once your offer is accepted.

What steps should I follow when choosing a solicitor for my property purchase, and is it essential to get multiple quotes?

Start by researching online, visiting local solicitors, and asking for recommendations. It's crucial to get 2-3 conveyancer quotes, allowing you to choose a reputable solicitor for your needs.

Can estate agents help in finding a suitable solicitor, and how can I ensure I'm working with a licensed and reputable conveyancer?

The Property Experts work with licensed conveyancers and can provide recommendations. However, it's essential to research online, read reviews, and check licensing to ensure the solicitor suits your needs, before making a decision.