House conveyancing. How much and do you need to use a local solicitor?

[FlyTVR]

How much does a solicitor charge for straight forward conveyancing. Prices seem to vary wildly. Also, is it wise to get a better deal by using an out of town solicitor?

Thanks in advance!

 

[Alastair]

I've used a national "call centre" conveyancing solicitor for one purchase and a local solicitor for a later sale and purchase. Not much in it in terms of price but it was a lot easier dealing with the local solicitor - we were always dealing with the same person, they understood the locality and produced a better standard of search. It was also much easier dealing with a local firm for the surveys on the second purchase as well (I'd also used a national company the first time) - and more accurate, as things turned out.

 

[FlyTVR]

Thanks Alastair.

I should add that I only need the sales side of things doing i.e. we are selling a property, not buying one.

 

[Alastair]

I'd still go with a local solicitor, no matter how simple things ought to be there's always the possibility of complications and delays. One of the problems with conveyancing in England is just how far into the process you need to get before things become legally binding - to the point that exchange and completion on the same day isn't considered unusual.

 

[onomatopoeia]

Sale and purchase was about £1200 for a firm ten minutes work from my office. Being able to go and see them to drop off documents and talk face to face was important to me. It's the biggest purchase you'll ever make, don't see the point of trying to save a few quid on the people that ensure everything legal is done properly when you're spending hundreds of thousands.