Best Conveyancing Solicitors in Preston

How do I choose a good conveyancing solicitor in Preston?

When you compare conveyancing quotes, look for a property solicitor with strong credentials, positive client feedback, and experience within the Preston and wider Lancashire property market. The city has a mix of Victorian terraces, new-build estates, and rural outskirts, so local knowledge can make a difference when navigating specific property types or council processes. It is important to look for transparency regarding their conveyancing fees and services.

Make sure the conveyancers you are considering are fully accredited, either by the CLC or SRA.

You can contact them through their website, phone, or visit their office. Many will offer an initial consultation 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, as this will help things go quicker. 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 Preston, as many aspects of conveyancing can be handled remotely, a local conveyancer may provide added value by being familiar with Preston City Council’s planning and building control procedures, common issues with specific postcodes or developments (e.g., flood zones near the River Ribble or land registry anomalies) and local estate agents and surveyors, making coordination smoother.

You should engage a conveyancer as you start looking for a property or before you list one for sale, to ensure all legal aspects are promptly addressed.

How do Preston property solicitors work?

It is a conveyancer’s job to act on your behalf, managing the legal aspects of property transactions and administrative work associated with transferring the ownership of a property from one person to another. Their tasks will vary depending on whether you are buying, selling or both.

Your conveyancing solicitor will conduct conveyancing searches, such as local authority, environmental, and drainage searches, which are particularly important in Preston due to its proximity to the River Ribble and some known flood-prone areas. They draft and review contracts of sale or purchase, and advise on Preston City Council's property laws, such as conservation areas or specific land use restrictions common in parts of Lancashire, to facilitate a smooth transfer of ownership.

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. While prices in Preston can vary depending on the property value and complexity of the transaction, local firms may offer competitive rates compared to solicitors in larger cities.

Your money is protected when you use a conveyancer. Conveyancing solicitors must hold client funds in separate accounts, ensuring security and compliance with regulatory standards.

It is possible to do your own conveyancing, if you are a cash buyer, however it's generally not recommended, especially for buyers unfamiliar with the Preston housing market or the intricacies of property law. Mistakes can be costly and may delay or derail your transaction. A qualified local solicitor will ensure all risks are minimised and the process moves forward without unnecessary complications.

What questions should I ask my solicitor?

Start by enquiring about their experience in the Preston property market. Even if your conveyancer isn’t physically based in Preston, they should demonstrate familiarity with the local property landscape, including common issues in Preston property transactions (e.g. flood risk areas near the River Ribble or planning constraints in conservation zones) and experience with local estate agents and the Preston City Council’s planning department.

Ask them about how much their fees will be and what they include, such as disbursements (e.g. searches, Land Registry fees, bank transfers), expenses and Stamp Duty.

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, but this can vary based on the complexity of the transaction and local authority turnaround times. 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.

You may want to see if they offer no sale, no fee agreements. This means you will not have to pay the conveyancing fees if the purchase falls through, but you may still have to cover the cost of disbursements. This can provide peace of mind in a competitive market like Preston.

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, giving you extra assurance in your choice.

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

You can use both conveyancing solicitors and conveyancers to carry out your conveyancing in Preston. There are differences between the two, but both will perform your property sale or purchase in the same way, so who you decide to use is up to you.

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 you anticipate needing legal services beyond conveyancing—for example, updating a will after buying a new home.

Licensed Conveyancers are specialists who have specifically been trained in property law and this is their sole focus. Their training and practice are focused solely on property transactions, which can often translate into a streamlined, property-focused service.

Conveyancing solicitors practising in the Preston 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, your choice should come down to who offers the best service, transparency, and communication for your move to Preston. It’s wise to compare quotes and check for experience in the Preston property market, as local knowledge can be a real asset, particularly when dealing with planning constraints or environmental issues in specific Preston postcodes.