Understanding what the difference is between a conveyancer and a solicitor is helpful in your search for legal help. Being informed could save you money and legal complications down the line.
What is a solicitor?
In the UK, a solicitor is a legal professional who provides expert advice and assistance on various legal matters. Solicitors play a crucial role in facilitating property buying process, handling legal documents, and representing clients in legal proceedings.
They are highly trained professionals regulated by the Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA) and are typically members of the Law Society of England and Wales.
The legal tasks of a solicitor
Solicitors undertake a wide range of legal tasks related to property transactions. These tasks include conducting property searches, drafting contracts, negotiating terms of sale, ensuring legal compliance, handling the exchange of contracts, and completing the transfer of ownership.
They also provide legal advice to clients on issues such as property disputes, rights and obligations, and regulatory requirements. Additionally, solicitors manage the financial aspects of property transactions, including handling deposits, stamp duty payments, and completion funds.
How much does a solicitor charge?
The fees charged by solicitors for property-related services can vary depending on factors such as the complexity of the transaction, the value of the property, and the specific services required. Solicitors typically offer fixed-fee packages like the ones below:
| Buying | Selling | |
|---|---|---|
| Total | £1,400 | £660 |
| Conveyancing fee | £1,100 | £660 |
| Local searches | £300 | n/a |
| Grand total (if buying and selling) | £2,060 | |
What is a conveyancer?
A conveyancer is a specialist legal professional who deals specifically with the legal aspects of property transactions, known as conveyancing. Conveyancers focus on ensuring the smooth transfer of property ownership from seller to buyer.
They handle legal documents, contracts, and various administrative tasks involved in property transactions. While solicitors can also undertake conveyancing work, conveyancers often specialize solely in property law.
The legal tasks of a conveyancer
Conveyancers are responsible for a range of legal tasks related to property transactions.
These tasks include conducting property searches to uncover any potential issues or restrictions affecting the property, drafting contracts of sale, negotiating terms between buyer and seller, ensuring legal compliance, facilitating the exchange of contracts, and overseeing the completion of the transaction.
Conveyancers also liaise with other parties involved in the transaction, such as mortgage lenders, surveyors, and estate agents, to coordinate a smooth and timely transfer of ownership.
How much does a conveyancer charge?
The fees charged by conveyancers for their services can vary depending on factors such as the complexity of the transaction, the value of the property, and the specific services required. Here are some typical rates for what a conveyance will charge below:
| Expense | Cost Range | Buyer | Seller |
|---|---|---|---|
| Anti-money laundering checks | £6 – £20 | X | X |
| Bankruptcy verification | £4 | X | |
| Title deed copies | £6 | X | |
| Local authority searches | £250 – £450 | X | |
| Property fraud screening | £10 | X | |
| Transfer of ownership fees | £200 – £300 | X | |
| Bank transfer charges | £20 – £30 | X | |
| Stamp Duty Land Tax | 0 – 12% | X | |
| Help to Buy supplement costs | £200 – £300 | X | |
| Gifted deposit fees | £50 – £100 | X | |
| Lifetime/Help to Buy ISA fees | £60 | X | |
| Unregistered property supplement | £120 – £240 | X | |
| Leasehold property supplement | £200 – £300 | X | |
| Managing Agent pack costs | £300 – £800 | X | |
| Typical legal fees range: £300 to £1500 | |||
What’s the difference between a conveyancer and a solicitor?
Solicitors are qualified lawyers who can handle a wide range of legal matters, including property transactions, family law, and litigation. They undergo extensive training and are regulated by the Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA). When it comes to property transactions, solicitors can offer additional legal advice and support beyond the conveyancing process.
Conveyancers, on the other hand, are specialists in property law and focus solely on the conveyancing process. They are regulated by the Council for Licensed Conveyancers (CLC) and receive specialized training in property transactions. While conveyancers may not offer the same breadth of legal services as solicitors, they often have a deeper understanding of the intricacies of property law and conveyancing procedures.
Do you need a conveyancer or a solicitor during the selling process?
Whether you’re buying or selling a property, it’s essential to have a legal professional handle the conveyancing process, which involves transferring ownership and ensuring that all legal requirements are met.
Both conveyancers and solicitors are qualified to handle this process, but there are some distinctions to consider.
What are the benefits of hiring a solicitor or conveyancer?
There are benefits to hiring both a solicitor and conveyancer. The following points break things down.
| Benefits | Solicitors | Conveyancers | Common Benefits |
|---|---|---|---|
| Offer a broader range of legal services beyond conveyancing | ✓ | ✓ | |
| Undergo extensive training in various areas of law | ✓ | ✓ | |
| Regulated by the Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA) | ✓ | ||
| Can provide additional legal advice and support related to property transactions | ✓ | ||
| Specialists in property law and conveyancing processes | ✓ | ✓ | |
| Receive specialized training focused specifically on property transactions | ✓ | ✓ | |
| Regulated by the Council for Licensed Conveyancers (CLC) | ✓ | ||
| Often have a deeper understanding of the intricacies of property law and conveyancing procedures | ✓ | ||
| May offer more competitive pricing compared to solicitors for conveyancing services | ✓ | ||
| Both solicitors and conveyancers are fully qualified and insured to handle property transactions | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Ensure the legal requirements and procedures are followed during the conveyancing process | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Provide peace of mind and professional support throughout the buying or selling process | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |