Choosing a conveyancer

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I'm buying a new build off plan and my estate agents have given me the name and contact details for a conveyancer who is dealing with a number of properties on the same site.

I've googled him and there are some good reviews of him personally (and no bad ones) although there are a few that are critical of the firm.

How does one choose a conveyancer? Should I find a personal recommendation? Or does it make sense to go with one that is familiar with the development?

Any thoughts gratefully received...

Following, we’re in a similar situation, although the developer is strongly recommending we use their recommended conveyancer as they are familiar with the development and therefore it will be smoother and quicker. I’m hesitant as worried it will be less impartial.

Conveyancers have to be impartial, so don't worry about that.
Get a personal recommendation if you can. Otherwise, look at reviews I suppose.
You can't guarantee that the good person in the firm will always be available.

April - that's interesting. Are you buying off plan too? I used a big well known firm for the sale of my house and it was a nightmare. Took 9 months. The conveyancer was a nice lady but made mistakes on a lot of details and was v slow at responding to emails so I feel a bit nervous about getting another conveyancer who is also a bit slow/ distracted.

It is best to choose another solicitor, not the one that the developer/EA recommends. It would, however, probably be a quicker transaction because their enquiries for all of the plots would all be similar and therefore so will all the responses and possibly not too in-depth as they will want to push the transaction through quickly.

An independent solicitor will not know the development and will make enquiries based on protecting you as a client from any erroneous clauses and in your best interests. This will probably take longer as they won't have all of the information they require to hand, unlike a "developer recommended" solicitor.

I think a "developer recommended solicitor" works on your behalf but with an understanding that the transaction is done to the developer's timescale - since this is typically 28 days to exchange, there is not much time to thoroughly examine the legal documents.

So the choice is to exchange/complete more quickly with "developer recommended solicitor" but may be vague responses or not in depth responses to enquiries. Not so much of a problem when buying but could cause issues when you sell on in a few years time. Or, go with an independent solicitor working totally for you but may take more time as they will want proper responses to queries and won't be bullied into early exchange by the developer.

Ooh that is helpful advice Spickle