Best Conveyancing Solicitors in Hackney

How do I choose a good conveyancing solicitor in Hackney?

When you compare conveyancing quotes, look for a property solicitor with strong credentials, positive client feedback, and experience within the Hackney property market. Hackney’s diverse mix of Victorian terraces, new-build apartments, and conservation areas means that local expertise can be particularly beneficial when navigating planning restrictions or leasehold complexities common in the area.

Be sure to check for transparency in conveyancing fees and a clear breakdown of services. A good solicitor will outline all potential costs upfront and explain any extras that may arise during the transaction.

Make sure the conveyancers you are considering are fully accredited, either by the Council for Licensed Conveyancers (CLC) or the Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA). These regulatory bodies ensure professional standards are maintained.

You can contact them through their website, phone, or by visiting their Hackney office if they are locally based. Many firms offer an initial consultation, often for free, to discuss your conveyancing needs.

It’s also helpful to select a conveyancing solicitor who is already on the panel of approved firms set by your chosen mortgage lender. This can reduce delays, as solicitors who aren’t on the panel may be rejected or require additional steps to be added. You can check your lender’s website or ask them directly to find out if your conveyancer is on their panel.

While it’s not essential to use a solicitor based in Hackney, as many aspects of conveyancing can be handled remotely, a Hackney-based solicitor may offer an advantage by being more familiar with the borough’s planning history, traffic schemes, and other local nuances (e.g., shared access rights or conservation guidelines in areas like London Fields or Clapton).

To avoid delays, engage a solicitor early, ideally when you begin house hunting or prepare to list your property for sale, so you’re legally covered from the outset.

How do Hackney property solicitors work?

Conveyancing solicitors in Hackney are responsible for managing the legal and administrative work involved in transferring property ownership. Whether you’re buying, selling, or both, your solicitor will act on your behalf to ensure the process is legally sound and progresses smoothly.

Your conveyancing solicitor will conduct conveyancing searches, including Hackney-specific checks like planning restrictions, traffic schemes, or conservation area regulations, particularly important in areas like Dalston or Hackney Central. They will handle contracts and advise on any property law considerations specific to Hackney, such as shared garden access or leasehold issues common in many East London flats.

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.

When you use a regulated conveyancer, your funds are protected. All conveyancing solicitors must keep client money in separate, safeguarded accounts, ensuring your money is secure and handled according to legal standards.

It is possible to do your own conveyancing, if you are a cash buyer, however it’s strongly advised to use a qualified solicitor. Property transactions in Hackney can be complex, especially with leaseholds, Section 106 agreements, or building restrictions in conservation zones. An experienced local solicitor will help minimise delays and legal risks, ensuring your sale or purchase completes efficiently.

What questions should I ask my solicitor?

Start by enquiring about their experience in the Hackney property market. Whether or not they’re based locally, they should be familiar with the borough’s unique features—such as conservation zones in Stoke Newington, shared ownership schemes in Hackney Wick, or leasehold complexities in period conversions across London Fields.

Ask them about how much their fees will be and what they include, such as disbursements (e.g. local searches from Hackney Council), expenses and Stamp Duty. Transparency at this stage helps avoid unexpected costs later.

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, though it may vary depending on local authority turnaround times or issues uncovered during Hackney-specific searches. Your conveyancer will need your input to fill out forms and provide documents throughout the process. They should be available to contact whenever you need to ask questions or request updates. Also, check if a specific point of contact will be assigned to your case.

You may want to see if they offer no sale, no fee agreements, meaning you won’t be liable for legal fees if the sale falls through. You may still have to cover the cost of disbursements, however.

Make sure they are part of a regulated professional body and are approved on your chosen mortgage lender’s conveyancing panel. All conveyancers/ conveyancing solicitors on reallymoving are regulated by the SRA or CLC.

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

When arranging your property transaction in Hackney, you can choose either a conveyancing solicitor or a conveyancer to handle the legal process. Both are qualified to manage your sale or purchase, and the decision often depends on personal preference and your specific needs.

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. This broader training can be useful if your transaction involves complex legal elements, such as probate sales or divorce settlements.

Licensed Conveyancers are specialists who have specifically been trained in property law, and this is their sole focus, which can offer streamlined, efficient service, especially valuable in high-paced markets like Hackney.

Conveyancing solicitors practising in the Hackney 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 will have a public register where you can search for an individual or a firm to check if they are regulated. All property solicitors and conveyancers quoted by reallymoving are regulated by one of these bodies. 

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, focus on choosing a firm that offers the best service, transparency on fees, and solid experience with Hackney’s property market. Whether you're navigating leaseholds in Clapton or buying a Victorian terrace in Stoke Newington, a well-matched conveyancer can make all the difference.