How to Compare Conveyancing Solicitors (and Make a More Informed Choice)

Introduction

Buying a home is one of the biggest financial decisions most people will ever make. Yet research suggests that around 70% of consumers do not shop around before choosing a solicitor. Many simply use the firm recommended by family or friends, or return to one they have used before.

A recommendation can be helpful, but it only reflects one person's experience. Spending just a few minutes comparing a handful of firms can give you a much better understanding of your options.

This guide explains the key factors worth considering before making your decision.

1. Can I trust this firm?

Trust should come before price.

Start by checking whether the firm is properly regulated and whether there is anything in its public regulatory history that you should be aware of. One historic issue does not necessarily mean you should avoid a firm, but understanding the context helps you make a more informed decision.

Reviews can also provide useful insight into previous clients' experiences, particularly where there are a large number of recent reviews rather than just a handful. But reviews are just the start. The most reliable picture usually comes from considering them alongside objective information such as regulation, complaints history and pricing.

Further reading in the CML Transparency Centre:

2. Is the quoted price really the price you'll pay?

One of the biggest frustrations for home buyers is discovering extra costs after receiving an attractive initial quote.

When comparing firms, make sure you understand:

• Legal fees
• VAT
• Disbursements (costs your solicitor pays to third parties on your behalf)
• Additional legal fees that may apply depending on your transaction

A higher initial quote may ultimately prove better value if it includes work that another firm charges for separately.

Remember that the cheapest quote is not always the lowest overall cost.

Further reading:

3. Which factors matter most to you?

Research consistently shows that consumers place greatest importance on factors such as:

• Reputation
• Price
• Expertise
• Speed of service
• Office location

There is no right answer. There is no universally "best" solicitor because different people value different things.

Some buyers are looking for the lowest price. Others are happy to pay a little more for stronger reviews or the reassurance of a nearby office.

The important thing is deciding what matters most to you before comparing firms.

Further reading:

4. Look beyond a single score

It is tempting to choose whichever firm has the highest review score or the lowest quoted fee.

However, no single measure tells the whole story.

For example:

• Excellent reviews do not necessarily mean competitive pricing.
• The cheapest quote may exclude additional legal work.
• A nearby office may not matter if you're happy communicating remotely.
• A large firm is not automatically a better fit than a smaller specialist practice.

The best decisions are usually made by considering several factors together rather than focusing on just one.

5. Compare like-for-like

Comparing conveyancing solicitors only works if you're comparing equivalent information. For example, two firms may appear to charge the same legal fee, but one includes work that the other charges for separately.

Similarly, two firms may have identical review scores but very different regulatory histories or office coverage.

The more consistently firms are compared, the easier it becomes to understand the real differences between them.

Further reading:

Common myths

“The cheapest solicitor is always the best value.”

Not necessarily. A lower headline price may not include additional legal work that becomes chargeable later.

“I should always choose the local firm.”

Many conveyancing transactions are now completed almost entirely by phone, email and secure online portals. For some buyers, location is important. For others, it makes very little difference.

“The biggest firm will always provide the best service.”

Firm size tells you surprisingly little about the quality of service you will receive. Communication, experience and transparency are often far more important.

Did you know?

Research suggests that around seven in ten consumers do not compare solicitors before making their choice, despite reputation and price being among the most important factors influencing that decision.

Taking a few minutes to compare firms can help you understand your options and choose the solicitor that best matches your priorities.

Final thought

Choosing a conveyancing solicitor isn't about finding the cheapest firm or the highest review score.

It's about understanding the whole picture.

The more information you have about price, service, trust and transparency, the more confident you can be that you're choosing the solicitor that's right for you. A recommendation from someone you trust can be an excellent starting point. But taking a few minutes to compare firms yourself can help ensure the solicitor you choose is the right fit for your transaction, priorities and budget.

We've built Choose My Lawyer around exactly these principles, making it easier to compare firms consistently and understand the differences that matter most to you.

Additional support is available via the Transparency Centre, where you can read more about understanding your choice factors and comparing the whole market.