Can I do property conveyancing myself?

[Storm15]

Just that really. We're about to buy. We sold recently and the legal firm I used were beyond useless. I've asked friends for recommendations and keep getting "we used X but I wouldn't recommend them". Literally haven't had one positive recommendation.

So I've started wondering if I could do it myself?

Failing that, can anyone recommend an online conveyancing firm?? Apparently they're cheaper? Are they reliable?

We're cash buyers but the property we're buying is listed - not sure if that makes any difference to the legals...?

No, I don't think you can (or should) do it yourself. Have a look at a firm called RMNJ. Based in Birkenhead.very efficient and best price we found. Lots of other people I know have used them too.

Yes, you can do it yourself.

Yes, a listed building does make a difference. You need to know all about the listing rules, what to check, what to ask etc. if you do something to a listed.building at you shouldn't it can be a criminal offence.

Why would you want to take a risk with the biggest purchase you will ever make?

Disclaimer: I am a property lawyer! What was wrong with you previous lawyer?

He was never at work!!! Took days to respond to emails / calls. Dragged the process out by weeks. Apparently he liked to go shooting...most days....until about 4pm.

OK, probably not going to do it myself then. I know little about listed buildings.

How do I go about choosing a 'good' one then?!

Thank you.

I wouldn't do surgery on myself or fit my own boiler so no I wouldn't try this.

We're like you - nearly every experience with solicitors has been a painful, long and stressful one, and that's not due to the nature of the house purchases, it was because of how we were treated by the solicitors. Calls not returned, weeks to do anything, etc etc.

Our only good experience was with Mentors in Bury St Edmunds. They were pretty good, but rendered toothless by the inaction and uselessness of the vendor's firm (coodes in Truro). So you can have a great firm but if they have to deal with other conveyancers who are rubbish you're effectively back to square one!

Not very helpful, sorry.

No it is helpful and thank you. I probably just need to realign my expectations. I've emailed RMNJ rockybalboa so thanks for that too.

Do you know when you want to complete by?

The key is prior to hiring your solicitor you say 'I want to use your firm, this is my completion date, can you achieve it for me'

Once they say yes, and you're happy with their quote then go for it.

Yes to using an online firm. They're much cheaper and no worse than high street solicitors.

I concur with not doing it yourself. You can ... but imagine what would happen if you got it wrong. The conveyancer's fees are only a tiny percentage of the purchase price so they are worth paying to make sure that the job is done properly.

The conveyancers have to put up with a lot. They can only go as fast as the information they receive from a long list of people - vendors, purchasers, estate agent, search agencies, mortgage providers, the council, Land Registry, etc, etc.

If you do go for internet then be careful. They are very good at quoting an inticing headline rate but then catch you out with extras. For example, if you need some sort of indemnity insurance ours will sort it out for free, after having checked to see if the Estate Agents can get a better quote. The internet people will charge you a £50 admin cost on top of the premium!

Yes quite likely, we have a date we need to be out of where we are which is pretty much 12 weeks from today. I think in theory it should be achievable. I'll get on the phone at 9am and phone around.

Senua that's good to know - thanks.

Is there any real benefit to using a local firm over using a 'nationwide' one?