Conveyancer vs. Solicitor: What’s the difference?

If you’re buying or selling a home, you’ve probably come across the terms “conveyancer” and “solicitor.” While both are legal professionals who work on property transactions, they aren’t the same thing. Knowing the difference between the two can help you choose the right person for the job and make your move as smooth as possible.

Conveyancer vs. Solicitor: At a Glance  

What does a licensed conveyancer do?

Licensed conveyancers are qualified professionals who specialise in property law and are regulated by the Council for Licensed Conveyancers (CLC) in England and Wales. Their main role is to make sure that all the legal requirements are met so that the property can be transferred smoothly from the seller to the buyer.

A licensed conveyancer is often a cost-effective choice for straightforward transactions like the sale or purchase of a home. Their specialised knowledge means they can provide focused, expert advice without charging the higher fees that might come with using a solicitor.

Areas of Expertise for Conveyancers

Licensed conveyancers focus on property transactions, including:

• Handling all the legal steps needed to transfer a property from one person to another, like preparing contracts, getting everyone to agree on the terms, and coordinating the exchange of contracts.
  
• Checking the property’s title to make sure there are no legal issues, such as rights of way, restrictions, or disputes that could affect ownership.
  
• Arranging local authority searches to uncover any hidden problems that could impact the property or its value.
  
• Drafting the contract for sale and going over all the legal documents to make sure everything is correct and there are no surprises.
  
• Calculating and arranging the payment of Stamp Duty Land Tax and dealing with all the necessary legal paperwork.
  
• Communicating with mortgage lenders, the other side’s legal team, and anyone else involved to keep everything moving smoothly.

What does a conveyancing solicitor do?

A conveyancing solicitor is a qualified lawyer who can handle more complex property transactions. They’re regulated by the Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA), which ensures they maintain high standards for professionalism, customer service, and financial security. Unlike conveyancers, solicitors have more extensive legal training, so they can help with other related legal matters too. However, because of this, hiring a solicitor might be more expensive than using a conveyancer.

Areas of Expertise for Solicitors

As a property lawyer, solicitors are authorised and regulated to:

• Manage complex property transactions including those involving multiple parties, commercial properties, leasehold properties, or properties with legal disputes or unusual terms.
  
• Provide legal advice and representation to resolve disputes over property boundaries, rights of way, or title issues.
  
• Give legal advice on other issues like inheritance, tax planning, and family matters, which can be helpful if your property transaction overlaps with these areas.
  
• Represent you in court. This makes them essential if there is any risk of litigation, for example, a disagreement over the terms of a sale or issues arising after completion.
  
• Handle transactions that involve higher financial or legal risks — for example, buying a listed building, a property with development potential, or a property with complex leasehold conditions.  

Questions to Consider When Choosing a Solicitor or Conveyancer for Your Property Transaction

How complicated is the transaction?

If your property transaction is straightforward, like buying or selling a standard freehold property, a licensed conveyancer can often handle it efficiently and at a lower cost. 

However, if the deal is more complex — involving leaseholds, unregistered titles, or potential disputes — or if it might involve other areas of law, such as family law, inheritance issues, or business matters, it may be more convenient to use a solicitor with broader legal expertise.

What is your budget?

Get a conveyancing quote from both solicitors and licensed conveyancers to compare costs. Be sure to ask for a detailed breakdown of fees to understand what services are included. While conveyancers typically offer a more affordable service for standard transactions, solicitors may provide better value for money when dealing with complicated legal matters.

Do they have a strong reputation?

A conveyancer with a strong track record in property law can be just as effective as a solicitor, especially for routine transactions. Look for reviews and testimonials from previous clients to gauge the experience and reliability of the professional you are considering.

Are they local?

Choosing a local solicitor or conveyancer has its benefits, as they’ll be familiar with the local council’s requirements and will have strong relationships with other local professionals like estate agents or surveyors, who are part of the process.

Buying or Selling a House? Let Triangle Legal Services Take Care of You

Buying or selling a home can be stressful, but our team at Triangle Legal Services is here to make it easier. We handle all aspects of residential conveyancing, from drafting contracts to completing property searches, with expertise and care.

With us, you’ll get experienced property law support, clear communication, and dedicated service. No matter if it’s a straightforward transaction or something more complex, we’re here to guide you. 

Unsure whether to choose a solicitor or a conveyancer? Contact us for a free conveyancing quote to help you make the right decision.

Conveyancer or Solicitor FAQs

Can a licensed conveyancer do everything a solicitor can?

No, a licensed conveyancer is a specialist in property transactions and cannot handle legal matters outside of conveyancing, like court representation or complex legal disputes. A solicitor, however, has broader legal training and can provide advice on a wider range of legal issues.

Is it cheaper to use a solicitor or a conveyancer?

Licensed conveyancers are generally more cost-effective for straightforward property transactions because they specialise in one aspect of law  – conveyancing. Solicitors may charge higher fees, especially if the transaction involves additional legal complexities.

What happens if there is a dispute during a property transaction?

If a dispute arises, a solicitor is typically better equipped to handle it, as they have the training and authority to provide legal representation and advice on various legal matters. Conveyancers can only assist with issues directly related to the conveyancing process.

Do mortgage lenders prefer solicitors rather than conveyancers? 

Mortgage lenders are usually happy to work with either solicitors or licensed conveyancers as long as the professional handling the transaction is properly qualified and regulated.

Many mortgage lenders have approved panels of solicitors and conveyancers. If your chosen conveyancer or solicitor is not on the lender’s panel, you may have to pay extra fees or choose someone else. Some lenders may have more solicitors on their panels simply because solicitors offer a wider range of legal services.

Do I need a solicitor or a conveyancer to buy a shared ownership property?

You can use either a solicitor or licensed conveyancer to buy a shared ownership property, but it’s important to choose someone who has experience with these types of transactions.

Both solicitors and conveyancers can handle the legal work, but shared ownership deals are more complex than standard purchases. They involve buying a share of the property while signing a lease agreement for the remaining share with a housing association. A professional familiar with these specific requirements can help ensure all the paperwork is correct and that you understand your rights and responsibilities under the lease.

If I am selling or buying a house at auction, do I need a solicitor or a conveyancer?

If you’re buying or selling a property at auction, you’ll need either a solicitor or a conveyancer to handle the auction property conveyancing. A solicitor is better if there are complications, like title disputes, restrictions on the property, or other legal issues that need detailed advice. A conveyancer is more affordable and ideal for simple freehold or leasehold transactions, taking care of the paperwork and processes efficiently.

Do I need a solicitor or a conveyancer for a new build purchase?

For new-build conveyancing, both conveyancers and solicitors can be good options. A conveyancer is often more affordable and efficient, especially if there are no expected complications. However, if you think the purchase could involve complex legal issues or disputes, a solicitor’s wider legal expertise might be worth the extra cost. 

At Triangle Legal Services, our conveyancing solicitors are experienced in handling all aspects of new build purchases, from negotiating contracts to resolving disputes, so you can rest assured that we’ve got it covered.

Is it better to use a solicitor or a conveyancer for a commercial transaction?

For commercial property conveyancing, a conveyancer is a great choice for simpler, straightforward transactions due to their focus on property law and lower costs. However, for more complex deals involving detailed leases, zoning laws, or multiple parties, a solicitor’s broader expertise may provide added security. 

No matter how complex your commercial property transaction is, our solicitors at Triangle Legal Services have the experience and knowledge to manage every detail effectively, giving you peace of mind throughout the process.