The Ultimate Guide to Choosing a Conveyancer or Solicitor
Buying or selling a property is one of the most significant financial decisions you’ll make, and it involves a series of complex legal steps. That’s why choosing the right conveyancer or solicitor is essential to ensuring the process is smooth, secure, and as stress-free as possible.
Jo Malcolm, Director and Licensed Conveyancer at Mason Thomas Law, shares her expert advice on how to select the right legal partner for your property transaction…
1. Conveyancer or Solicitor: What’s the Difference?
A licensed conveyancer is a specialist in property law and the legal processes involved in buying and selling a property.
A solicitor is trained in all areas of law and therefore can offer broader advice, particularly in complex cases involving leaseholds, listed buildings, shared ownership, or disputes.
At Mason Thomas Law, we have both conveyancers and solicitors on our team, ensuring that every type of transaction, whether straightforward or complex, can be dealt with by our in-house team of experts.
2. Conveyancing Doesn’t Come with a Set Schedule
It’s completely natural to want to know how long the process will take, but asking for a precise timeframe at the outset is unrealistic. Every property transaction is unique, and timelines can vary significantly depending on factors like the type of property, the length of the chain, and the requirements of the lender.
At Mason Thomas Law we’re transparent about this from the beginning. While we’ll always aim to give you a broad indication of likely timescales, it’s important to understand that unexpected issues, such as unclear land ownership or missing approvals for past works, can cause delays, especially before contracts are exchanged.
What we can promise is clear communication throughout and timely updates so you always know where things stand.
3. Ask About the Firm’s Caseload
A firm with a manageable caseload is more likely to provide a responsive, personalised service. If a legal team is overstretched, your case even though straightforward, may end up at the bottom of the pile.
At Mason Thomas Law, client care is a core priority. In 2024/25, we saw a 60% increase in completed residential transactions. Rather than compromise on service, we expanded our Residential Property team, ensuring every client continues to receive focused, high-quality legal support.
4. Check Experience with Your Property Type
Different property types come with different legal complexities. Whether you’re buying a new build, leasehold apartment, or high-value property, it’s vital to choose a legal team with relevant experience.
Our team specialises in:
- New build homes
- Listed buildings
- Leasehold apartments
- Commercial units
- Buy-to-let investments
- High-value properties (including those with land)
“New builds and high-value homes, for example, require specialist knowledge,” explains Jo Malcolm. “I began my career with an international housebuilder and have since managed multi-million-pound transactions for high value properties with Mason Thomas Law. I know what to look for, and what to ask, to keep things moving and avoid delays.”
The knowledge and experience of our conveyancing team means that many of our commercial clients also trust us for their personal property transactions. David Mathieson, of Begbies Traynor Group, shared: “When purchasing my new home, I insisted on using Mason Thomas Law rather than the developer’s recommended conveyancer. New builds require practical expertise. I want expert service at a fair price, and that’s exactly what I get.”
5. Confirm Membership of an Accredited Body
Ensure your chosen firm is regulated by a recognised body such as the Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA) or the Council for Licensed Conveyancers (CLC). This guarantees the firm meets professional standards and gives you added peace of mind.
Mason Thomas Law is regulated by the CLC, which recognises our expertise in property law.
We’re also proud to work with respected estate agents including JBS Estates, Fine & Country, and Mallinsons & Co., reinforcing our reputation for professionalism and dependability.
6. Ensure They’re on Your Lender’s Panel
If you’re using a mortgage, your lawyer must be approved by your mortgage lender. This is known as being on the Lender’s Panel.
Mason Thomas Law is on the panel of most major high street lenders including Lloyds, Nationwide, Santander and Barclays, allowing us to act on behalf of the lender and the client, ensuring no additional legal fees, and a smoother, faster process with fewer administrative hurdles.
7. Look for Transparent, Fixed Fees
Conveyancing costs can vary significantly, and hidden extras can catch you out. Always ask for a full breakdown of fees before instructing your solicitor.
At Mason Thomas Law, we offer clear, fixed-fee pricing from day one, so you know exactly what to expect, with no hidden costs.
8. Ask About Communication and Case Tracking
Communication is key during any property transaction. You should have direct access to your conveyancer and receive regular updates on your case.
At Mason Thomas Law, you’ll be assigned a named conveyancer who will handle your transaction from start to finish.
You’ll have:
- Their direct mobile number
- Their email address
- Regular updates on progress
More importantly, you’ll be able to talk directly to the member of our team handling your property transaction. They’re focussed on keeping you informed throughout the process.
“I’ve worked in property law for over 15 years,” says Mollie Lancaster, Conveyancer at Mason Thomas Law. “I understand how stressful the process can feel, especially for first-time buyers. That’s why I personally take or return calls and make sure my clients are kept informed at every stage.”
Mollie began her legal career as a business administration apprentice and worked her way up to become a qualified conveyancer through the CLC Level 4 pathway. Her experience in freehold sales and purchases is now expanding into leaseholds to which she brings a wealth of knowledge and client understanding.
9. Discuss Any Quirky or Unusual Features Before Instructing
Before you formally instruct a conveyancer or solicitor, it’s wise to have an initial discussion about any unusual or non-standard features of the property you’re buying or selling. These could include:
- Private water sources like boreholes or wells
- Unadopted or single-track access roads
- Shared driveways or rights of way
- Off-grid energy supplies
- Historic covenants or land use restrictions
By doing so, it helps to flag potential hold-ups early and gives your legal adviser the opportunity to prepare accordingly, saving you time and stress later in the process.
It also allows you to assess whether the firm has the relevant experience to handle more complex or quirky transactions. Not every conveyancer is familiar with rural properties, listed buildings, or those with unique legal considerations.
Why Choose Mason Thomas Law?
At Mason Thomas Law, we combine award-winning legal expertise with a personal, client-first approach.
We were proud to be shortlisted as the Residential Property Team of the Year by the Sheffield & District Law Society, testament to the knowledge and service we bring residential property transactions.
Let’s Get You Moving
Whether you’re buying or selling, our experienced team is here to help. Contact us today for a no-obligation quote and discover how Mason Thomas Law can support your next move.