Yes, you can change solicitor during a house purchase. If you’re unhappy with the service you’re receiving, struggling to get updates or concerned about how your purchase is progressing, you can choose to move your conveyancing to another firm.
Changing solicitor can involve some additional administration, and your current solicitor may charge you for work they’ve already completed. The stage your purchase has reached will also affect how straightforward the switch could be.
If you’re thinking about changing your conveyancing solicitor, it’s worth speaking to the new firm before making a decision. They can look at where your purchase currently stands and explain what would be involved in taking over your case.
Why Might You Change Conveyancing Solicitor?
Buying a home can involve a lot of moving parts, so you need to know what’s happening and what’s expected of you throughout the process.
You might consider changing solicitor if:
- You’re finding it difficult to get updates or responses
- Your purchase appears to have stalled and you haven’t been given a clear explanation
- You’re unhappy with the level of service you’re receiving
- Costs have arisen that you weren’t expecting
- You’ve lost confidence in how your purchase is being handled
- Your current solicitor can no longer act on your behalf
Some delays during a house purchase can sit outside your solicitor’s control. Searches, mortgage lenders, property chains and enquiries involving other parties can all affect timescales. Good communication still matters. Your conveyancer should keep you informed about progress and explain any issues affecting your transaction in plain English.
What Happens When You Change Solicitor During a House Purchase?
If you decide to switch, you’ll need to instruct a new conveyancing solicitor and tell your existing solicitor that you’d like them to stop acting on your behalf.
Your existing solicitor will usually need to transfer your file to the new firm. Your new conveyancer can then review the work completed so far, identify anything outstanding and continue progressing the purchase.
You may also need to complete some onboarding requirements again. Your new solicitor has their own legal and regulatory responsibilities, so they may need to carry out identity checks and review documents even if you’ve already provided similar information to your previous firm.
The exact process will depend on your circumstances and how far the purchase has progressed.
Will Changing Solicitor Delay My House Purchase?
Changing solicitor can cause some short-term disruption while your file is transferred and your new conveyancer reviews the transaction.
How much of an impact it has will depend on the stage you’ve reached, the amount of work already completed and how quickly the relevant information can be transferred.
If you’re considering switching because your purchase has already been delayed, speak to your prospective new solicitor about the situation before ending your relationship with your existing firm. They can explain what taking over the transaction could involve and give you a clearer idea of the next steps.
Will I Have to Pay My Old Solicitor?
You may have to pay your existing solicitor for work they’ve already carried out.
The amount will depend on the agreement you entered into when you instructed them and the stage your transaction has reached. There may also be costs relating to searches or other services that have already been ordered or completed.
Check your original terms of business or ask your existing solicitor for a breakdown of any fees that would be due if you decide to leave.
Your new solicitor will also charge for handling your conveyancing, so make sure you understand their fees before instructing them.
Can I Change Solicitor After Exchange of Contracts?
Changing solicitor after an exchange can be more complicated. Once contracts have been exchanged, the purchase becomes legally binding and a completion date will usually have been agreed. There may be important deadlines and legal obligations that need immediate attention.
If you’re considering changing solicitor after an exchange, speak to the firm you want to move to before taking any action. They’ll need to understand the position of your transaction and confirm whether they can take over the work within the required timeframe.
How Do I Switch Conveyancing Solicitors?
If you’ve decided that changing solicitor is the right option, the process will usually involve:
- Speaking to your prospective new conveyancer. Explain where your house purchase currently stands and why you’re considering switching.
- Confirming they can take over your purchase. The new firm will need enough information to assess the transaction before agreeing to act.
- Telling your existing solicitor. You’ll need to confirm that you want them to stop acting for you and arrange for your file to be transferred.
- Completing the new firm’s onboarding process. You may need to provide identification, property details and other information relating to your purchase.
- Allowing your new conveyancer to review the file. They can check what’s already been completed, identify outstanding work and explain what needs to happen next.
It’s sensible to speak to your prospective new conveyancer before formally ending your existing solicitor’s instruction. That way, you can understand what a switch could mean for your particular purchase first.
Can I Change Solicitor if I Have a Mortgage?
You can usually change solicitor when buying with a mortgage, but your new conveyancer will need to be able to act for your mortgage lender.
Mortgage lenders work with approved panels of solicitors and conveyancers. If the firm you choose isn’t on your lender’s panel, another firm may need to act separately for the lender, which could introduce additional work and costs.
Check that your prospective solicitor can act for your lender before making the switch.
Thinking About Changing Conveyancing Solicitor? Talk to LPL
Poor communication can make an already important purchase much harder to manage. If you’re considering changing solicitor, speaking to another conveyancing firm can help you understand your options before you decide what to do next.
At Leading Property Lawyers, you’ll have an experienced conveyancer handling your purchase and keeping you informed as it progresses. You’ll also have access to LPL Cloud, our secure online portal where you can upload documents, complete and sign forms electronically, provide identification and check the progress of your transaction 24/7.
