Do you always need a solicitor to buy a house?

In short, no. You’re not legally obligated to use a solicitor when buying or selling a house. In theory, you could do it all yourself. However, if you’re not qualified to do so, it’s a bad idea, as it can result in delays and you could get yourself into a legal mess.

Due to this, it’s recommended that you use a solicitor to help you in your house purchase. A good solicitor will help to keep everything organised and on track, liaising with your lender and getting things together in the background. All that’s left for you to do is enjoy the process and get excited for completion.

Finding a solicitor for buying a house

There are a number of ways you can find a solicitor to help you with your home purchase. Here are a few of the most popular.

1. Recommendations: Ask your friends and family to see if there’s anyone they’d suggest.

2. Referrals: Check with your lender, mortgage broker or Independent Financial Adviser (IFA) if they have any preferred partners.

3. Estate agent: If you’re buying a home through an estate agent, they may be able to suggest a solicitor for you. However, this can sometimes be more expensive.

Alternatively, if you’re buying a new Bloor home, we’ll introduce you to one of our trusted, vetted solicitors who we can trust to meet our high standards. It’s just one of the many perks of buying new.

How to choose a solicitor for house purchase

There are a few things you’ll need to consider when choosing a solicitor. Without taking these things into account, you may make the wrong choice.

✓ Check they’re listed. Depending on where you are in the UK, make sure your solicitor is a member of either the Law Society of England and Wales or Law Society of Scotland, and a member of the Law Society’s Conveyancing Quality Scheme.

✓ Ask for a quote. Most solicitors will be happy to provide you with a rough estimate of costs upfront. Shop around, so you can make the decision that’s right for you and your budget.

✓ Location, location, location. It may be simpler to use a solicitor that’s close to you, so you can drop off and collect paperwork easily. This isn’t always necessary, though.

✓ Check they’re suitable. Some solicitors specialise in particular areas of home buying.

✓ Read reviews. Make sure your solicitor is as good as they say they are. Take a look at the Google reviews – if there are a few red flags, is it worth taking the risk?

How much are solicitors fees for buying a house?

The costs will vary depending on your solicitor. Once you have completed, you should receive a full breakdown of fees from your solicitor. Legal fees typically cost between £800 and £1,500, including VAT at 20%.

Choosing a solicitor for buying a house can take some time, but it’s important to make the right choice, so you can have a stress-free home-buying experience. Take note of the tips we’ve provided and you’ll be able to find the right solicitor for you.