How to Instruct a Solicitor When Buying a House

Learn how to instruct a solicitor when buying a house in the UK, including when to do it, what documents are needed and why early instruction matters.

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Buying a house is one of the most important financial decisions you’ll ever make, and having the right solicitor on your side can make the process far smoother. Conveyancing solicitors handle the legal aspects of the purchase, ensuring that ownership is transferred correctly and that there are no hidden issues with the property.

This article explains how to instruct a solicitor when buying a house, what to expect at each stage, and how to make sure the process runs efficiently from offer to completion.

When to Instruct a Solicitor

You should begin looking for a solicitor as soon as you start your property search. Once your offer has been accepted, you’ll need to formally instruct a solicitor to act on your behalf. Delaying this step can cause unnecessary hold-ups, particularly when the estate agent or seller’s solicitor is ready to move forward.

Having a solicitor lined up early also means you can provide their details to your mortgage lender and estate agent immediately, helping everything progress without delay.

Step 1: Choose the Right Solicitor

Selecting a solicitor is an important first step. Look for a firm with experience in conveyancing, transparent fees, and strong communication. Ask for quotes from at least three solicitors so you can compare services and costs.

Factors to consider include:

Whether the solicitor is on your mortgage lender’s panel (some lenders only work with approved firms).
How responsive and available the solicitor or their team will be.
Whether they offer fixed-fee pricing or charge by the hour.
Reviews or recommendations from previous clients.

Choosing the right solicitor is not just about cost but about trust, communication, and efficiency.

Step 2: Formally Instruct the Solicitor

Once you’ve chosen your solicitor, you’ll need to formally instruct them to begin work. This usually involves:

Completing a client instruction form provided by the firm.
Supplying proof of identity and address (passport, driving licence, utility bill).
Providing details of the property, the seller’s solicitor, and your mortgage lender if applicable.
Paying an initial deposit, often around £200 to £300, to cover search fees or upfront costs.

Your solicitor will then open a client file, carry out compliance checks, and contact the seller’s solicitor to confirm they are acting on your behalf.

Step 3: Understanding the Conveyancing Process

Once instructed, your solicitor begins the conveyancing process. This involves several key stages:

Draft Contract and Property Information

The seller’s solicitor will send a draft contract and property information forms to your solicitor. These include details about the property’s title, boundaries, fixtures, fittings, and any existing restrictions.

Property Searches

Your solicitor will arrange searches with the local authority, water company, and environmental agencies to check for planning issues, flooding risks, or other potential concerns.

Mortgage and Legal Checks

If you’re buying with a mortgage, your solicitor will review your offer and ensure that the lender’s requirements are met. They’ll also verify that the property title is valid and that there are no legal issues affecting ownership.

Enquiries and Exchange

Your solicitor will raise any questions with the seller’s solicitor and review responses before you exchange contracts. Once you are satisfied and all conditions are met, you’ll sign the contract and pay the deposit, usually 10% of the purchase price.

Completion and Registration

On completion day, your solicitor transfers the funds to the seller’s solicitor and ensures the keys are released. They then register the property in your name with the Land Registry and pay any applicable Stamp Duty Land Tax.

Step 4: Communicate Regularly

Clear communication between you and your solicitor is vital throughout the buying process. Always respond quickly to requests for documents or payments to prevent delays. Likewise, a good solicitor will keep you informed of progress and explain each stage in simple terms.

Regular updates ensure you understand what’s happening and can act promptly when required, especially as completion dates approach.

Step 5: Understand the Costs Involved

Solicitor fees for buying a house usually range between £800 and £1,500 plus VAT, depending on the property’s value and complexity. Additional costs include disbursements such as:

Local authority searches (£250–£400)
Land Registry fees (£20–£300 depending on property value)
Bank transfer fees (£20–£45)
Stamp Duty (based on purchase price)

Always ask for a full quote upfront that includes all legal fees and disbursements so there are no surprises later.

Step 6: Keep Everything in Writing

It’s important to keep copies of all correspondence, documents, and receipts during the conveyancing process. Having a paper trail helps avoid confusion and can be useful if any issues arise later, such as queries about ownership or boundary disputes.

Your solicitor should also provide you with a detailed completion statement showing all payments made and received on your behalf.

Why Choosing the Right Solicitor Matters

A proactive solicitor can make the difference between a smooth, stress-free purchase and a frustrating, delayed process. They ensure all legal checks are carried out properly and protect your interests at every stage.

If problems arise, such as missing documents or unexpected charges, your solicitor will resolve them before contracts are exchanged, preventing costly mistakes.

Expert Advice from Lillian Purge

Instruct early. Have a solicitor ready as soon as your offer is accepted.
Check lender approval. Make sure your chosen solicitor is on your mortgage provider’s panel.
Stay responsive. Quick communication avoids unnecessary delays.
Understand fees upfront. Request a written quote and confirm what’s included.
Trust experience. Choose a solicitor who specialises in property law and has a strong local reputation.

Instructing a solicitor early and maintaining good communication throughout the process ensures your home purchase progresses smoothly and legally. With the right professional support, buying your new property can be a far more straightforward and stress-free experience.