Conveyancing Solicitors in Cardiff: Tips for finding a great property lawyer

You’ve found your dream home in Cardiff and now it’s time to make a start with the legal side of things of property buying. Although, in theory you could do it alone, this is an extremely rare instance. You will therefore need an experienced conveyancing solicitors in Cardiff or anywhere else (but based in either England or Wales) to guide you through the process and make sure everything is done properly. But how do you find a great and fast conveyancing solicitor? Here are some tips to help you on your search.

What Is Conveyancing and Why Use a Solicitor?

Conveyancing is the legal process of transferring a property from one owner to another. A lawyer who is a specialises in property law and who will be responsible for dealing with these aspects of a property transaction is a conveyancer.

A good conveyancing solicitor can save you time, money, and headaches. The conveyancing process can be complicated, with lots of title deeds to read, forms to fill out and deadlines to meet. A solicitor does this day in and day out, so they know exactly what needs to be done and when. 

Conveyancing fees will vary depending on the value and type of property, but solicitors usually charge between £500 to £2000 for a standard transaction. Anything less generally tends to be a marketing ploy and you can expect to be hit with a raft of hidden extra costs whilst anything more than the higher bracket tends to be unnecessarily expensive. 

Do some research both online and social media, get recommendations from family or friends if possible, and find an experienced solicitor you feel comfortable with. A great solicitor is worth their weight in gold and will guide you through the conveyancing process with confidence.

Things to consider when choosing a conveyancing solicitor in Cardiff.

So you need a solicitor to help you buy or sell a property in Cardiff. While the conveyancing process itself is standard across England Wales, there are a few things to keep in mind when choosing a solicitor in the Cardiff area.

Physical location of the Conveyancer 

Physical location of your conveyancing solicitor in Cardiff is wholly unnecessary. You are therefore free to look for conveyancers, not limited to having a physical presence in Cardiff. Geographical factors used to be a primary deciding factor when looking for a property solicitor in the past, primarily as a result of clients requiring attending the offices of their lawyer for identity verification and also document signing purposes. These days are long gone. 

Even local Firms are now required to carry out electronic Identity checks on their clients where the clients are local, and can attend the conveyancer’s office. In addition, not all conveyancers are made the same. Some can be very good with certain types of property transaction whilst not have the most up to date expertise where specialist types of transactions such as shared ownership and new build property are concerned. 

Experience and speciality

Contrary to popular belief, a conveyancer’s experience is not based on whether or not they have represented thousands of property transactions in Cardiff but in fact, what type of property transactions they have handled! For instance, a property lawyer, based in Cardiff, who has represented hundreds of clients buying a standard, freehold property will have little exposure if you are buying a leasehold apartment, a new build property, or a shop! These are the factors you should really be looking at when looking for a conveyancer.

Conveyancing fees

Although conveyancing fees will naturally be an important factor when deciding on who to instruct to handle your conveyancing formalities, you must always remember that this should not be the only reason. Conveyancing is not just another step in buying or selling a property. Conveyancing in fact dictates whether you should (or should not) buy the property you think is suitable. Ultimately, most of us are making the biggest the purchase of our life when buying a new property, generally costing tens of thousands of pounds. Are you therefore really going to risk all your life savings over a couple of hundred pounds worth of conveyancing fees by not picking the most suitable expert on your side? 

That said, it is equally important for you to make sure you understand exactly what services are included before accepting a particular conveyancing quote. Compare fees and work out how you will be able to get the most out of your money. 

Should price be the main factor when deciding who to instruct?

Should price be the main factor when deciding who to instruct?

When looking for conveyancing solicitors in Cardiff, price should not be the only factor you consider. While staying within your budget is important, there are other aspects that can impact your experience.

The cheapest option may end up costing you more in the long run. Cut-rate solicitors are often inexperienced or overworked, which can lead to delays, mistakes, and frustration. It’s better to find a solicitor charging reasonable fees and have good reviews. 

Look for solicitors with the relevant expertise for the type of property you are buying. Those with more experience will be up to date with the latest rules and handle the conveyancing process efficiently. They can also anticipate potential issues and solve problems quickly.

Consider a solicitor’s availability and communication. Look for those that are prompt in responding to calls and emails. The conveyancing process involves a lot of paperwork and deadlines, so you want a solicitor that will keep you informed every step of the way.

While price is one factor, don’t make it the only one. Think about a solicitor’s experience, expertise, availability and communication. Finding the right solicitor for your needs will give you peace of mind and potentially save you money by avoiding costly mistakes or delays. Do some research and don’t be afraid to ask questions to find a solicitor you feel comfortable with.

In the end, a balance of affordability and competence will lead you to conveyancing solicitors in Cardiff that suit your needs. With the property market constantly changing, experience and expertise are invaluable. Make sure any solicitor you consider, regardless of price, has a proven track record of providing high quality service.

Conclusion

So there you have it, some useful tips for finding a great conveyancing solicitor in Cardiff to help you through the buying or selling process. Remember, take your time vetting different firms and don’t just go with the first one you come across. Check reviews from past clients, ask questions to get a feel for their experience and expertise, and make sure you understand exactly what services are included and at what cost. The solicitor you choose can make or break your property deal, so do your homework and find one you connect with. With the right conveyancing solicitor in your corner, the legal side of your property transaction in Cardiff will be in good hands. Best of luck finding a solicitor and happy house hunting!