Does my conveyancing solicitor need to be local?

Moving house forces us to get caught up very quickly with an incredibly complex set of processes. From surveys to mortgage applications, completing the searches to agreeing on move-in dates, there are many things to get your head around (and stay cool about) while you attempt to keep everyday life afloat around an increasing number of boxes and bags.

It’s stressful – in fact, it’s one of the biggest stressors we face, particularly if the move is sending you miles and miles out of your element and you feel you’re juggling two separate parts of your life for months on end.

But stress doesn’t have to equal a near-impossible situation. There are ways to reduce the burden, and one of the most important is instructing an experienced conveyancer – someone who can guide you through the entire process, anticipate the next steps, and avoid any unnecessary delays that cost you time, heartache, and money.

But what does the ideal conveyancer look like? Do they need to be local to the house you’re buying, or, with everything now being sorted online, can you choose any solicitor based anywhere in the country?

Do you have to work with a local conveyancer?

No, there is no requirement for you to work with a local solicitor during a house purchase or sale. Some estate agents may recommend and encourage you to work with a particular conveyancer, but you’re free to instruct whomever you would like when the time comes.

Still, that’s not to say you should. Here are the advantages of working with a local conveyancer.

The Benefits of Staying Local

First and foremost, local solicitors like willans.co.uk know the area like the back of their hand. It may sound obvious and, ultimately, unimportant when the paperwork is the same whether you’re buying in Leeds or London, but having someone on-side who knows all the other local conveyancers and estate agents can be incredibly valuable.

By contrast, consider the nationwide, online conveyancing companies. They have to treat every customer like another number in the system because, ultimately, that’s exactly what they are. The personal touch offered by a local solicitor means easier cooperation between your side and the seller’s side, which will go a long way when you’re aching to get the ball moving.

Also, consider the value of having a solicitor within reach. While email and PDFs are great, there’s nothing like being able to talk face-to-face with your solicitor when you need more guidance or reassurance. Emails are fast, but they’re easily misread or forgotten in the system.

Local conveyancers also inevitably have fewer cases on the go than one of the larger conveyancing companies, which inevitably means you will feel as though your case has more ‘weight’ to it. Besides, these firms have established themselves over the course of many years or decades within the local community – they come highly rated by their clients and have managed to thrive in a smaller environment by virtue of that respect. Don’t make the stress of a house move more stressful by assigning your case to a company that’s too big and too digital to really care – work with a local solicitor, and enjoy the benefits of being a name, not a number.