How to Choose a Conveyancing Solicitor in 2026: A Guide for Buyers and Sellers
Buying or selling a property can be an exciting time, but there’s also a lot to think about. Choosing the right conveyancing solicitor can make a significant difference to how smoothly your transaction progresses.
Your conveyancer will be responsible for handling the legal aspects of your sale or purchase, from reviewing contracts and carrying out searches to liaising with mortgage lenders, dealing with enquiries and ultimately helping you reach exchange and completion.
Whether you’re a first-time buyer, moving home, selling a property or dealing with a more complex transaction, you need someone you can trust to protect your interests, explain what’s happening and keep things moving.
So, what should you look for when choosing a conveyancing solicitor?
Look beyond the cheapest conveyancing quote
Price will understandably be an important consideration when choosing a conveyancer, particularly when you’re already budgeting for estate agent fees, mortgage costs, removals and the many other expenses associated with moving home.
However, the cheapest quotation doesn’t necessarily represent the best value.
When comparing conveyancing quotes, make sure you understand exactly what’s included. A quotation should clearly set out the solicitor’s legal fees together with the other costs and disbursements you’re likely to pay.
If one quote appears significantly cheaper than the others, it’s worth checking carefully whether you’re comparing like for like.
Your home is likely to be one of the biggest financial commitments you’ll ever make, so choosing a conveyancer based on service, expertise and value rather than price alone can be worthwhile.
Consider the service you’ll actually receive
Conveyancing services have changed considerably in recent years.
There are now traditional law firms, large national conveyancing providers and online-only services, all offering different ways of managing a property transaction.
There’s no single approach that’s right for everyone.
Some buyers and sellers are perfectly comfortable managing everything remotely. Others value having a named conveyancer they can speak to directly and the reassurance of knowing there’s a local office they can visit if needed.
Before instructing a firm, consider what’s important to you.
Will you have a named person dealing with your transaction? Can you speak to them when you have questions? How will you receive updates? And what happens if something unexpected arises?
Understanding the service you’re going to receive is just as important as understanding what it will cost.
Communication really does matter
Moving home can be stressful, and poor communication can make the process considerably more frustrating.
A good conveyancer should explain the process clearly, keep you informed of significant developments and be available to answer your questions when you need them.
Before choosing a solicitor, don’t be afraid to pick up the phone and speak to the firm.
How your initial enquiry is handled can give you a good indication of the service you might receive once your transaction is underway.
At Rogers & Norton, communication is something our clients regularly highlight in their feedback. Our housing and property reviews on ReviewSolicitors frequently mention clear explanations, regular updates, responsiveness and the reassurance provided by having an experienced professional guiding them through the transaction.
Check independent client reviews
Recommendations from friends and family can be invaluable, but independent online reviews can also give you a useful insight into the experiences of previous clients.
Rather than looking only at the overall star rating, spend some time reading what people actually say.
Look for recurring comments about:
- Communication and responsiveness.
- How well the legal process was explained.
- Whether clients felt supported.
- Efficiency and progress of transactions.
- Professionalism and legal knowledge.
- Whether previous clients would use the firm again.
These can tell you much more about the likely client experience than price alone.
Rogers & Norton is currently rated 4.7 out of 5 on ReviewSolicitors, based on hundreds of reviews across the firm. Our conveyancing clients regularly highlight the professionalism, knowledge, efficiency and personal approach of our team.
Recent feedback has included clients describing their transactions as “very smooth and professionally handled”, while another praised the “professional, but personal service” they received. Other clients have highlighted being kept updated without having to chase and the support provided to first-time buyers throughout the process.
For us, that feedback is particularly important because it reflects the things we believe matter most during a property transaction: keeping clients informed, explaining things clearly and providing a personal service from beginning to end.
Check for recognised conveyancing accreditations
When choosing a conveyancing solicitor, it’s also worth checking whether the firm holds recognised professional accreditations.
Rogers & Norton is accredited under the Law Society’s Conveyancing Quality Scheme (CQS).
CQS provides a recognised quality standard for residential conveyancing practices and requires accredited firms to demonstrate appropriate standards of expertise, client service and risk management.
Choosing a CQS-accredited firm provides additional reassurance that your conveyancing is being handled by a practice committed to recognised standards within residential property law.
Check your solicitor can act for your mortgage lender
If you’re purchasing a property with a mortgage, your conveyancer will usually need to act for both you and your mortgage lender.
Mortgage providers maintain panels of solicitors and conveyancers they’re prepared to work with. It’s therefore important to establish that your chosen firm is able to act for your particular lender. If they aren’t, another firm may need to become involved, which could result in additional costs or delays.
If you’re obtaining a mortgage, tell your conveyancer who your lender is as early as possible so this can be checked.
Consider the benefits of local knowledge
Modern technology means there’s no requirement for your conveyancer to be based around the corner from your new home.
However, there can still be real benefits to choosing a solicitor with experience of the local property market.
A local conveyancing team is likely to have experience dealing with properties in the area, local estate agents and common issues that can arise with particular types of property.
There’s also the simple reassurance of knowing you can speak to someone locally or visit an office if you need to.
At Rogers & Norton, we have conveyancing teams based at our offices in Norwich, Attleborough and Dereham, supporting buyers and sellers across Norfolk and further afield.
Choose experience that’s appropriate for your transaction
Not every property transaction is straightforward. You may be buying a leasehold property, purchasing a new-build home, dealing with a shared ownership property, buying at auction or selling and purchasing at the same time.
Before instructing a conveyancer, consider whether they regularly deal with the type of transaction you’re undertaking. An experienced conveyancer should be able to identify potential issues, explain their implications and advise you on how best to proceed.
At Rogers & Norton, our Residential Conveyancing team assists with a wide range of property transactions, including:
- Buying and selling freehold property.
- Buying and selling leasehold property.
- First-time purchases.
- New build properties.
- Shared ownership.
- Remortgages.
- Transfers of equity.
- Auction purchases.
- Buy-to-let properties.
If your transaction has any unusual features, let your conveyancer know at the outset so they can advise you accordingly.
Ask who will actually deal with your conveyancing
It’s easy to focus on choosing a law firm without considering who within that firm will actually handle your transaction.
Ask whether you’ll have a named conveyancer and who you should contact if you have questions.
Moving home inevitably involves communication between several parties – including buyers, sellers, estate agents, mortgage lenders and other solicitors – so having someone who understands your transaction and can provide continuity throughout the process can be extremely valuable.
At Rogers & Norton, we believe in providing a personal service and ensuring our clients know who is dealing with their matter.
Trust your first impression
Finally, choose a conveyancer you feel comfortable working with.
You may be speaking to them regularly over several weeks or months and relying on them to guide you through some important decisions.
You should feel comfortable asking questions, confident that your concerns will be taken seriously and reassured that your transaction is in capable hands.
If you’ve made an initial enquiry and already find it difficult to communicate with the firm, that may be worth considering before instructing them.
A good working relationship between you and your conveyancer can make the entire process considerably easier.
Conveyancing Solicitors in Norwich, Attleborough & Dereham
At Rogers & Norton, we’ve been helping individuals and families move home since 1982.
Our experienced Residential Conveyancing team provides practical, straightforward advice throughout the buying and selling process, keeping you informed and helping your transaction progress as smoothly as possible.
With offices in Norwich, Attleborough and Dereham, we’re well placed to support buyers and sellers across Norfolk and beyond.
We’re also proud to hold the Law Society’s Conveyancing Quality Scheme (CQS) accreditation, providing additional reassurance about the standards of service and expertise you can expect from our team.
And while we’re proud of our professional accreditations, we’re equally proud of what our clients say about us. With a 4.7/5 rating on ReviewSolicitors, our client feedback regularly highlights the personal service, clear communication, professionalism and support provided by our conveyancing teams.
Moving home? We’re here to help
Whether you’re buying your first home, moving to your next property, selling a property or remortgaging, choosing the right conveyancer can make a real difference to your experience.
Our Residential Conveyancing team will explain the process, keep you informed and provide practical advice from your initial instruction through to completion.
Contact Rogers & Norton today for a conveyancing quotation or to speak to our team in Norwich, Attleborough or Dereham.