Best Conveyancing Solicitors in Chippenham

How do I choose a good solicitor in Chippenham?

When you compare conveyancing quotes, look for a property solicitor with strong credentials, positive client feedback, and experience within the Chippenham property market. A solicitor who is familiar with the nuances of the local area, including planning restrictions, local authority procedures, and typical property types like period homes in the town centre or newer developments on the outskirts, can provide valuable insight and guidance.

It is important to look for transparency regarding conveyancing fees and services. Make sure the quote clearly outlines disbursements, legal fees, and any additional charges that may apply to transactions in Wiltshire or the wider South West.

Make sure the conveyancers you are considering are fully accredited, either by the CLC or SRA. These accreditations ensure professional standards and legal compliance.

You can contact them through their website, phone, or by visiting their office. Many will offer an initial consultation to discuss your conveyancing needs.

It’s also helpful to select a conveyancing solicitor who is on the panel of approved firms for your mortgage lender, which can streamline the legal process. Check your lender’s website or speak directly to them to verify if your preferred solicitor is included on their panel.

While it’s not essential to use a solicitor based in Chippenham, as many aspects of conveyancing can be handled remotely, a local solicitor may offer added advantages, such as knowledge of Wiltshire County Council property records and local planning policies, experience with Chippenham-specific issues, such as flood risks near the River Avon or developments around Langley Park and established relationships with local estate agents and surveyors.

You should engage a conveyancer as soon as you start looking for a property in Chippenham or before listing your home for sale, to ensure that all legal requirements are handled efficiently from the start.

How do Chippenham property solicitors work?

It is a conveyancer’s job to act on your behalf, managing all the legal and administrative work involved in transferring the ownership of property. Whether you're buying, selling, or both, their responsibilities will adapt to suit your transaction and ensure it runs smoothly.

Your conveyancing solicitor will conduct conveyancing searches with Wiltshire Council, checking for planning issues, road schemes, flood risks (especially in areas close to the River Avon), and other concerns specific to the Chippenham property market. They will handle contracts, and advise on local property law and regulations, which can vary depending on the location and the nature of the property, such as leaseholds in new developments or listed buildings common in the Chippenham area.

According to reallymoving data, the average cost of conveyancing fees is around £2,368, including fees and disbursements. For a First Time Buyer, the average cost is £1,478.

Your money is protected when using a licensed conveyancer. Conveyancing solicitors must keep client funds in regulated client accounts, ensuring compliance with industry standards and offering peace of mind throughout the transaction.

It is possible to do your own conveyancing, if you are a cash buyer, however this is not recommended. The legal complexities involved in Chippenham property transactions, especially with local factors like conservation areas or shared access drives, can easily trip up an untrained eye. A qualified local conveyancing solicitor brings the expertise and local knowledge needed to minimise delays, resolve issues, and reduce the risk of the transaction falling through.

What questions should I ask my conveyancing solicitor?

Start by asking about their familiarity with Chippenham and the surrounding Wiltshire area. Even if they’re not based in the town, they should demonstrate an understanding of local issues such as flood zones near the River Avon, conservation area restrictions, or planning regulations from Wiltshire Council.

Ask them about how much their fees will be and what they include, such as disbursements (e.g., local authority searches, Land Registry fees), expenses and Stamp Duty. Make sure the quote clearly separates fixed fees from any potential extras, especially if the transaction becomes more complex.

Ask about the timeline for how long the conveyancing process will take, and how they plan to communicate updates to you. Typically, conveyancing takes 8-12 weeks. They should be available to contact whenever you need to ask questions or request updates. It’s also worth understanding what they’ll need from you during the process, such as completing forms, supplying ID, or signing documents.

You may want to see if they offer no sale, no fee agreements, which means you won’t pay their legal fees if the sale falls through (though you may still be liable for disbursement costs). Be sure to clarify the terms and any exceptions.

Confirm that your conveyancer is regulated by a recognised body such as the Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA) or the Council for Licensed Conveyancers (CLC). All conveyancers/ conveyancing solicitors on reallymoving are regulated by the SRA or CLC. Also, make sure they are approved by your mortgage lender, as this avoids delays in processing your loan. 

Is it better to use a solicitor or conveyancer in Chippenham?

You can use both conveyancing solicitors and conveyancers to carry out your conveyancing in Chippenham. While there are some differences between the two, both are fully qualified to carry out the legal work involved in a property sale or purchase, and both can provide an excellent service within the Chippenham property market.

Conveyancing solicitors will have been trained in a variety of legal fields, ranging from family law through to litigation or criminal law. They have then chosen to specialise in property law.

Licensed Conveyancers are specialists who have specifically been trained in property law, and this is their sole focus.

Conveyancing solicitors practising in the Chippenham market must be registered with the Law Society and are regulated by the Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA), whereas Licensed Conveyancers are regulated by the Council for Licensed Conveyancers (CLC).

Both regulatory bodies maintain public registers, allowing you to check whether a specific individual or firm is properly accredited. All conveyancing professionals listed by reallymoving are fully regulated by either the SRA or the CLC, ensuring peace of mind.

Your decision about whether to use a solicitor or conveyancer may come down to whether you prefer to have someone with expertise in other legal fields you may need help with, or someone trained specifically in property law. Ultimately, whether you choose a solicitor or a licensed conveyancer, the most important thing is finding a regulated professional who offers the right level of service and support for your move in Chippenham.