How to Find a Property Solicitor – Complete Guide for Home Buyers and Sellers

Buying or selling property is one of the biggest financial decisions in life. Between legal paperwork, ownership checks, and contracts, it can easily turn into a stressful maze. That’s why finding the right property solicitor is crucial.

Below, you’ll learn how to find one, why you need one, what benefits they bring, and which real-world services you can trust, all backed by practical examples.

Understanding Why You Need a Property Solicitor

When you’re buying, selling, or transferring property ownership, a property solicitor ensures everything is legally valid, compliant, and secure.

In the UK, according to GOV.UK’s home selling guidance, property transactions require a solicitor or licensed conveyancer to manage the legal process known as conveyancing.

What exactly does a property solicitor do?

A property solicitor handles every legal aspect of your property deal. This includes:

• Drafting and reviewing contracts

• Running local authority searches

• Checking the ownership title

• Managing deposit transfers

• Registering ownership with the Land Registry

Their role ensures that your purchase or sale is fully compliant, protecting you from fraud, ownership disputes, or costly mistakes.

Why using a solicitor is beneficial.l

1. Legal protection: Ensures no hidden ownership issues or liabilities.

2. Less stress: They handle complex documents, negotiations, and deadlines.

3. Faster completion: Experienced solicitors already know how to streamline conveyancing steps.

4. Reduced financial risk: Prevents you from losing deposits or overpaying fees.

How to Choose and Find the Right Property Solicitor

Finding a trustworthy solicitor is not just about choosing the cheapest one. You need someone qualified, communicative, and experienced with your property type.

1. Check registration and reputation

Use the Law Society’s “Find a Solicitor” directory to verify they are legally registered.
Then confirm their regulation status through the Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA).

Tip: Read client reviews. Many users on Reddit recommend starting with personal recommendations and avoiding “too good to be true” cheap quotes. Reputation often matters more than price.

2. Evaluate their experience and specialization

Not all solicitors handle the same type of property. For instance, buying a leasehold flat or a new-build requires specific experience.

The HomeOwners Alliance advises ensuring your solicitor:

• Is approved by your mortgage lender (on their panel).

• Provides clear breakdowns of all legal fees.

• Offers transparent communication and no hidden costs.

3. Compare fees and services carefully

Average conveyancing fees in the UK range between £1,000 – £1,400 plus disbursements, depending on location and complexity

Always request itemized quotes, check what’s included (search fees, Stamp Duty advice, etc.). The cheapest option can end up more expensive if hidden fees appear later.

Benefits of Using a Property Solicitor

Hiring a solicitor isn’t just about paperwork; it’s an investment in peace of mind and financial security.

Benefit 1:Minimizess transaction risk

Without a solicitor, you risk:

• Buying a property with an undisclosed mortgage or restriction

• Losing deposits due to a failed completion

• Facing ownership disputes later

Solicitors perform detailed local authority and land registry checks to make sure you’re buying what you think you are.

Benefit 2: Saves time and reduces stress

They coordinate directly with estate agents, banks, and the seller’s solicitor while keeping you updated.
Instead of chasing every document yourself, you get guided updates, digital signing options, and fewer delays.

Benefit 3: Transparent fixed fees and faster turnaround

Modern law firms often offer fixed-fee conveyancing to avoid surprises.
For example, Muve provides a “LightSpeed” service designed to complete transactions faster than the industry average.

Real-World Examples of Property Solicitor Services

Below are three leading UK-based services you can explore, complete with links, real images, and detailed explanations.

Example 1 – Muve Conveyancing

Overview:
Muve is a nationwide property conveyancing firm offering fixed-fee legal services with full online tracking. You can monitor progress through their digital dashboard, making it one of the most tech-forward solicitors in the UK.

Use Case:
Perfect for first-time buyers or busy professionals who want transparency and digital convenience.

Problem Solved:
Traditional solicitors often communicate slowly; Muve’s portal provides instant updates, reducing uncertainty.

Why It’s Worth It:

• Fixed pricing means no hidden costs

• Online tracking and updates

• Optional “LightSpeed” upgrade for faster completions

How to Buy / Hire:
Visit Muve.co.uk → Get a quote → Submit details → Receive your welcome pack and start the process.

Example 2 – Reallymoving

Overview:
Reallymoving isn’t a law firm but a comparison platform that helps you find and compare property solicitors. It provides multiple quotes from licensed firms within minutes.

Use Case:
Ideal for anyone who doesn’t yet have a solicitor and wants to shop around for the best balance of price and service.

Problem Solved:
It eliminates the need to manually contact different firms and simplifies decision-making with verified customer reviews.

Why It’s Worth It:

• Quick and transparent quotes

• Reviews from real buyers and sellers

• Nationwide coverage

How to Buy / Use:
Go to Reallymoving.com → Enter your property details → Compare multiple solicitor quotes → Choose one to hire directly.

Example 3 – Law Society’s “Find a Solicitor” Tool

Overview:
The Law Society offers a free national database to find fully regulated solicitors across England and Wales. You can filter by area of specialization, language, or accessibility.

Use Case:
Great for verifying legitimacy or finding accredited firms near your postcode.

Problem Solved:
Helps you avoid unregulated or fake firms pretending to offer legal services.

Why It’s Worth It:

• Official and verified by the Law Society

• Easy to search

• No middleman fees

How to Use:
Go to the Find a Solicitor portal → Enter “Property” under legal issue → Filter by region → Contact your preferred solicitor directly.

Step-by-Step Guide to Start the Process

Ready to move forward? Here’s how you can go from research to completion day smoothly.

Step 1: Define your needs

Ask yourself:

• Am I buying, selling, or both?

• Is the property leasehold, freehold, or shared ownership?

• Am I using a mortgage?

Knowing this helps narrow down solicitors who match your situation.

Step 2: Gather and compare options

Use:

• The Law Society Directory

• Reallymoving comparison tool

• Personal referrals or estate agent recommendations

Request at least three quotes to compare costs, service levels, and responsiveness.

Step 3: Verify registration and credentials

Confirm they are regulated by the SRA and (if applicable) accredited under the Conveyancing Quality Scheme (CQS).

Step 4: Instruct your solicitor

Once chosen, you’ll receive an “instruction letter” confirming:

• Their scope of work

• The fee structure

• The estimated completion timeline

Provide your ID, proof of funds, and property details so they can begin searches.

Step 5: Track progress and communicate

Ask for regular updates or online access. If something seems delayed, request explanations early.
Good communication between you and your solicitor is key to timely completion.

When Will Your Property Transaction Complete?

Completion time varies depending on property type, mortgage approval, and search delays.
Typical UK conveyancing takes 8–12 weeks, but with an efficient solicitor, it can be shortened to 6 weeks or less.

You can help by:

• Sending requested documents quickly

• Avoiding last-minute negotiation changes

• Keeping all parties informed (agent, solicitor, mortgage broker)

Conclusion

Finding a property solicitor isn’t just a box-ticking task; it’s about ensuring your biggest financial move goes smoothly and safely.

With the right solicitor, you gain:
 Legal protection
 Clear communication
 Transparent fees
 A faster, stress-free experience

Start early, compare wisely, and always choose a regulated, well-reviewed professional.

If you follow the steps and use services like Muve, Reallymoving, or The Law Society’s search tool, you’ll find the perfect solicitor in no time.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: Can I buy a house without a solicitor?
Technically, yes, but it’s not recommended. Property conveyancing involves legal ownership transfers and checks that only qualified solicitors or conveyancers can perform safely. Without one, you risk legal and financial issues.

Q2: How much does a property solicitor cost in the UK?
Fees range between £1,000–£1,400 plus disbursements, depending on property type, location, and complexity. Always confirm if the quote includes search fees, VAT, and Land Registry costs.

Q3: When should I hire a solicitor?
Ideally, hire a solicitor as soon as your property offer is accepted or even earlier. Early instruction allows them to start local searches and prevent future delays.