How to Instruct a Solicitor When Buying a House

Buying a house is one of the most significant financial and emotional commitments you will make. While the excitement of finding a property is often the focus, the legal process that follows is equally important. To ensure the purchase goes smoothly, you need to instruct a solicitor or licensed conveyancer to act on your behalf. Knowing how and when to do this, and what steps are involved, helps buyers avoid delays and feel confident about the process.

What It Means to Instruct a Solicitor

Instructing a solicitor simply means formally appointing them to act for you in the property transaction. Until you do so, the solicitor cannot begin work on your file. In practice, this involves confirming your choice of solicitor, completing client forms, providing identification documents and often paying money on account for initial searches and disbursements. Once instructed, the solicitor has a legal duty to protect your interests, keep you informed and ensure the purchase is handled correctly.

When to Instruct a Solicitor

Ideally, you should choose and instruct a solicitor as soon as your offer on a property is accepted. This ensures that legal work can begin straightaway and avoids unnecessary delays. In competitive markets, early instruction can be the difference between completing quickly and losing out to another buyer. Some buyers prefer to research solicitors even before making an offer so they are ready to move quickly once the property is secured.

How to Choose the Right Solicitor

Selecting the right solicitor is one of the most important decisions in the buying process. Many buyers opt for recommendations from friends or family, while others look for firms with local knowledge or strong reputations in conveyancing. Fees are a factor, but the cheapest option is not always the best. It is worth considering experience, responsiveness and clear communication. Online reviews and comparisons can help, but ultimately you want a solicitor who will explain things clearly and act efficiently on your behalf.

Providing the Required Information

Once you have chosen your solicitor, you will need to provide certain information to get started. This includes proof of identity, usually a passport or driving licence, and proof of address such as a bank statement or utility bill. If you are using a mortgage, your solicitor will also need details of your lender so they can liaise directly. You may be asked to supply information about your source of funds, especially if part of the purchase money comes from savings, investments or gifts. These checks are essential to comply with anti money laundering regulations and protect all parties.

The Initial Paperwork and Agreement

At the point of instruction, your solicitor will usually provide a client care letter or terms of business. This sets out what work they will do, how they will charge and the responsibilities on both sides. It is important to read this carefully and ask questions if anything is unclear. Signing this document formally confirms the solicitor’s instruction and allows them to begin work. You may also be asked to pay money on account, often a few hundred pounds, to cover the cost of early searches and official documents.

What Happens After Instruction

Once instructed, the solicitor will open your file and begin contacting the seller’s solicitor for the draft contract and property information forms. They will also order searches with the local authority and other relevant bodies, review the title documents and raise initial enquiries. At this stage, your solicitor is essentially building a complete picture of the property so they can advise you fully before you commit to exchanging contracts. If you are using a mortgage, they will also begin liaising with your lender to confirm the offer and ensure funds will be available at completion.

Why Early Instruction Matters

Instructing a solicitor promptly helps the entire process move more smoothly. Without instruction, the legal process cannot begin, meaning valuable time is lost. Estate agents and mortgage lenders often chase updates, and being able to confirm that your solicitor is in place gives confidence to all parties in the chain. Early instruction also allows more time to resolve any issues that arise from searches or enquiries without putting the transaction under unnecessary pressure.

Conclusion

Instructing a solicitor when buying a house is a straightforward but crucial step in the property process. It involves formally appointing a solicitor, providing the required documentation and paying initial costs so they can begin legal work on your behalf. The earlier you do this after your offer is accepted, the smoother the transaction is likely to be. Choosing the right solicitor and supplying the necessary information promptly ensures you are well prepared for what is often the biggest purchase of your life.