Conveyancing - Hidden Charges to Look Out For

You've probably found this page because you're selling or buying a home and you're worried about the conveyancing fees involved to complete your transaction... This is our perspective.

If you're one of those individuals who likes to shop around you may be feeling lost with the amount of firms out there who are offering "cheap conveyancing fees."

Since the growth of online conveyancing, this has made the market extremely competitive resulting in some firms to be unrealistic about their costs in order to attract more customers.

We've made some important points to look out for when you're looking for conveyancing:

1. Don't believe that a local solicitor is necessarily the best option.

It's common for buyers and sellers to ask their family solicitor, or a local firm recommended by their estate agent. It's likely the estate agent receives a referral fee for each transaction completed.. on top of their regular fees!

With a national firm you won't need to make time to see them face to face. Most of the correspondence is via telephone, email and post. 

2. Check their final fee has no hidden extras.

Although it may state on their website it's the final fee but this doesn't mean it includes ALL fees. If you are buying, the process is a little more expensive as you will need to pay for searches and this depends on where your property is situated. Give the solicitor a call to clarify any extra fees, and most importantly ask for it in writing.

3. Do their fees include dealing with your mortgage?

If your solicitor hasn't asked whether you have a mortgage lender involved in the transaction, it's possible they may charge extra to deal with the lender. Worth asking.

4. Do they include extra fees for Leasehold, Newbuild and Management properties?

Check for any disclaimers at the bottom of their quotes as these are common "add-on" fees that could sting you later on. Find out if your property is Leasehold, or dealt through a management company and make sure you aware of these fees before you proceed.

5. Finally, are they a registered and accredited firm?

Ellen Court are accredited with the Law Society for our quality in Conveyancing. ie. the Conveyancing Quality Scheme. If you use anyone else please check they are also members of the CQS scheme. 

In summary, we are both a firm that supports our Preston and Northwest clients but also provides a nationwide service.

If you have any further queries with regards to fees or you'd like some expert legal advice from our conveyancing team, please give us a call.

Ellen Court Partnership

Preston Conveyancing Solicitors

Tel; 01772 882 888