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Original poster

Long distance solicitors?

16 replies

MerryMarigold · 07/03/2015 22:58

Anyone used those long distance guys? They are coming out considerably cheaper than London ones, but don't know if they are any good or if it is not advisable to have one so far away. I guess you need to post everything recorded delivery, but that wouldn't add up to 500 quid. I can keep searching for a local one, but Estate Agent is hassling me for solicitor.

OP posts:
123rd · 07/03/2015 23:18

Just a quick answer...we used a local sol. But we communicated mainly by email. But anything we did need originals/to sign and return I quickly popped into their office so they had everything they needed ASAP. I personally felt " safer" with a local office. Just in case. But saying that,we had no need to meet our sol face to face.
Sorry, not v helpful Wink

PinkTriangle · 08/03/2015 07:22

Hi, when you say long distance do you still mean in the uk?
we used a local one when sold. But now we have relocated 400 miles away we have decided to use the same one for a purchase.
It cant be that hard a job, so i guess even the cheapest sols will be just as good as the expensive ones?
Personally i prefer a small firm as they're more likely to chat to you and answer quickly

LittleBearPad · 08/03/2015 07:31

When we bought we had a free solicitor as part of our mortgage deal. They were 400 miles away. It wasn't a problem as everything was done by email apart from the actual contract which we posted back.

Magmatic80 · 08/03/2015 07:35

We are in SE London and solicitor is in Plymouth. FTB so don't know how it works in general but no-one appears perturbed by this.

Bohemond · 08/03/2015 07:42

I have always found a benefit in using a solicitor known to the estate agent as it can sometimes smooth things along. That said we now have a local firm that we use for all legal work (how very grown up!).

Original poster
MerryMarigold · 08/03/2015 09:45

Thanks everyone! I will go over the costs again but I think the long distance may be a better option as we are not in a huge hurry.

OP posts:
Ruhrpott · 08/03/2015 10:40

We used one in Lincolnshire when we are in Wales. Was fine, everything done by email and post. We did it as hsbc wanted us to use one of their solicitors.

specialsubject · 08/03/2015 10:42

yes, used one in Norwich which is 200 miles from where we used to live and more from where we live now. Local solicitors at both ends wanted huge amounts more, and having encountered them in the other half of the transactions they were pig-slow anyway.

surveyor needs to be local but solicitor does not. and DON'T use the one partnered with the estate agent.

Mummyk1982 · 09/03/2015 07:23

We're in surrey and using an incredibly efficient one in Portsmouth. I am really impressed by their pace. Everything comes trough instantaneously by email :-)

ARightOldPickle · 09/03/2015 07:59

DD recently bought a house and used a solicitor in the north west who came highly recommended (we are in the south east). Very efficient, always available on the phone if needed and so much cheaper than any round here! Would use them myself if I move again.

Original poster
MerryMarigold · 09/03/2015 10:04

Thanks. Have instructed this morning!

OP posts:
Bramshott · 09/03/2015 10:14

I was going to come on and say DON'T - but see it's too late Grin! If everything goes smoothly it's absolutely fine, but in our case we ended up having to drive to the solictors (only 40 miles away in our case, but still 80 mile round trip) to sign something as there wasn't time to get it posted out to us and back to them...

Original poster
MerryMarigold · 09/03/2015 10:25

Eek, oh well, it is not a rush sale, so I do hope it will be straightforward

OP posts:
Original poster
MerryMarigold · 09/03/2015 10:26

ie. we're both chain free, but there are currently tenants there who have a notice at the end of June so there's plenty of time

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thanksamillion · 09/03/2015 11:25

We're currently using an online one. I've found them to be very good and that it's the vendors local solicitors who have been slow to respond. The ones I've used have been very proactive in sending documents needing signing early so that we can get them back with plenty of time. Most things can be emailed and printed by you and sent back.

ReallyTired · 09/03/2015 11:29

There are good online solicitors and bad ones. You really need to go on recommendation. Years ago I used a local firm and they were pants and expensive.

It's well worth going for a conveyancing no fee deal. It can save you hundreds if the deal falls through.

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