When I got divorced I used the same firm to handle the purchase/sale as it was easy to transfer the funds and sort it all at the same time.
I have asked for quotes for another sale/purchase and whilst they've not gone up that much, they are still quite considerable amounts. The solicitor there is amazing, but they are an expensive firm. Tbh all the other local firms are in my area (might be as I'm in the heart of the Cotswolds?)
I have gone online via money supermarket and found one with 100% reviews. They are £1,000 cheaper overall. Tbh all the quotes were around that much cheaper.
Is it silly to use a firm that isn't local?