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How to find a Good Solicitor



A solicitor or conveyancer will handle all the legal aspects of the purchase of a property for you. A good one will keep you regularly updated, and can really help you in navigating stressful legal situations. There are several queries and questions to ask.

What do solicitors in Chester do? The first one you will be asked when you put in an offer on a property is the name of the contact details of your solicitor or a licensed conveyancer. Conveyancing is the legal term for transferring ownership of property, regardless of if you are buying or selling. Solicitor or conveyancer will do the following


  • Handle contracts 

  • Give legal advice

  • Carry out local council searches

  • Deal with the land registry

  • Transfer the funds to pay for the property


It is an important role, so you should choose carefully.

Solicitors are more expensive than conveyancers and are qualified lawyers, so three can offer  full range of legal services.


How to find a property specialist


Word of mouth - ask your friends and family. 

Ask your lender, mortgage broker or independent financial adviser (IFA). 

Estate agents might recommend a solicitor as they would often work in partnership with property specialists. However, this could end up being an expensive option for you.


Online conveyancing is an ear growing area where you could find service, they are cheaper however you will only deal with them over the phone or via email so it might not be ideal for those hoping for a more hands-on experience.


Licensed conveyancers are specialised in property but cannot deal with complex legal problems that may arise.


Make sure your chosen property specialist is a member of the law society of England and Wales, law society of Scotland and a member of the law society’s conveyancing scheme.

Conveyancers must be members of the council for licensed conveyancers.


Costs and Fees

Solicitors my charge in a number of different ways:


  • A fixed fee

  • An hourly rate

  • A percentage of the property price.


Try to get quotes from three varied firms and get a breakdown of the costs, so you're comparing how much the total cost to you will be. 


They should include charges for searches, bank transfer and land registry fees.

Stamp duty on properties over 125,000

Disbursements - other costs which incline postage and courier services.

More if the process ends up being more costly, urgent or complex than originally expected.


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