For most people, purchasing a property is the most expensive transaction they will ever make.
Whether you’re buying your first home, moving to accommodate a growing family, investing in property or downsizing for retirement, the sums involved are significant. Yet many buyers and sellers spend more time comparing conveyancing fees than they do assessing the quality and experience of the professional responsible for protecting their interests.
When you’re investing hundreds of thousands of pounds into a property, choosing a conveyancer based solely on price can be a false economy.
A difference of £200 or £300 in legal fees may seem important at the outset. However, against the value of the property itself, the cost of your mortgage, removal expenses and the potential consequences of a failed transaction, it’s often one of the smallest financial decisions you’ll make throughout the entire process.
The real question shouldn’t be:
“Who is the cheapest?”
It should be:
“Who will give me the best chance of getting to completion?”
Property Transactions Fail More Often Than You Might Think
Many people are surprised to learn that around one in four agreed property sales fail before completion, with some industry estimates placing the figure closer to one in three.
When a transaction collapses, the consequences can be significant. Buyers and sellers may lose money on surveys, searches, mortgage fees and legal costs, as well as losing valuable time and emotional investment. The average cost of a failed transaction has been estimated at over £3,000 per mover.
Behind every failed transaction is a family whose plans have been disrupted, a buyer who has lost their dream home, or a seller who must start the process all over again.
Why Do Property Transactions Fall Through?
Not every failed transaction can be prevented. However, the most common causes include:
- Adverse survey findings
- Mortgage or lending issues
- Property chains breaking down
- Delays during the conveyancing process
- Buyers or sellers changing their minds
- Disputes arising from survey or legal findings
Many of these issues require good communication, proactive management and attention to detail. That’s where the quality of your conveyancer can make a real difference.
If It’s Cheap, Ask Why
Conveyancing fees vary considerably, and it’s natural to compare quotations.
However, when a quotation appears significantly cheaper than others, it is worth asking why.
Some conveyancing providers operate a high-volume model, with fee earners handling exceptionally large caseloads. While this approach may allow costs to be reduced, it can sometimes leave clients feeling like just another file in a production line.
You may find:
- Difficulty speaking to the same person twice
- Delayed responses to emails and calls
- Limited proactive updates
- Problems being identified later than they should be
- Less coordination between parties in the transaction
In a straightforward transaction, these issues can be frustrating.
In a complex transaction involving a chain, they can be far more serious.
The Impact on Property Chains
A property chain is only as strong as its weakest link.
One delay can quickly affect multiple transactions. A missed email, an unanswered enquiry or a lack of urgency can create frustrations that ripple throughout the chain.
Mortgage offers can expire. Removal arrangements may need to be changed. Buyers and sellers can lose confidence and become tempted to walk away.
Before long, several families can find their plans hanging in the balance.
An experienced conveyancer understands that their role extends beyond legal paperwork. They are responsible for helping maintain momentum, identifying issues early and keeping all parties informed throughout the process.
Read Reviews, Not Just Quotes
Before choosing a conveyancer, spend time reading reviews and testimonials.
Don’t focus solely on overall ratings. Look deeper.
Do clients talk about:
- Excellent communication?
- Prompt responses?
- Clear advice?
- Proactive problem-solving?
- Keeping transactions moving?
- Support during challenging circumstances?
Reviews often provide a much clearer picture of the service you’ll receive than a headline quote.
After all, when a transaction encounters a hurdle, and most do at some stage, it’s the quality of the people handling your matter that can make the difference.
What Should You Ask Before Instructing?
Before making your decision, consider asking:
- Who will be responsible for my file?
- Will I have a dedicated point of contact?
- How will I receive updates?
- What is your average response time?
- How do you deal with urgent issues?
- What do your reviews say about communication?
- How do you work with estate agents and other parties in the chain?
The answers can tell you far more than the price on the quotation.
The Bottom Line
Buying or selling a property is too important to be treated as a numbers game.
While price will always be a consideration, it should never be the only consideration.
When you’re making what may be the largest financial commitment of your life, it’s worth taking the time to choose a conveyancer with the experience, communication skills and reputation to guide you through the process confidently.
Because when it comes to conveyancing, the cheapest option isn’t always the best value.
And when an entire chain is relying on everyone working together to reach completion, choosing the right conveyancer could make all the difference between moving home and starting again.
Thinking of Moving?
Choosing a conveyancer is about far more than comparing prices.
Before you instruct, take the time to read reviews, ask questions and understand who will actually be handling your transaction. The right advice, proactive communication and attention to detail can make a significant difference to your experience and help keep your move on track.
At BHP Law, our Residential Conveyancing team is committed to providing clear advice, regular updates and a personal service from experienced legal professionals who understand the importance of keeping transactions moving. Our online reviews speak for themselves.
If you’re buying or selling a property and would like to discuss your move, we’d be delighted to help.
📞 Contact BHP Law’s Residential Conveyancing Team today
🌐 www.bhplaw.co.uk
📧 enquiries@bhplaw.co.uk
Because when you’re making one of the biggest financial commitments of your life, choosing the right conveyancer matters.
