Super slow conveying solicitor

[Banks26zilla]

We are selling and purchasing a home, we instructed a solicitor on 8th April. So far they have done nothing, they haven't asked for ID checks or provided us with any paperwork what so ever. We already have our mortgage offer sorted and are looking to book a survey of our new property asap.

Just wondering if this sounds super slow? We haven't paid or signed anything yet, we are potentially looking at another solicitors as they have done nothing so far.

A family member is also selling and already had their ID checks and questionnaire within the same week as instructing. Unsure if we are being impatient or if the solicitors may be no good, we understand there has been the Easter bank holiday but they had a full working week beforehand...

Interested in other people's thoughts

I have only ever used locally recommended conveyancing solicitors and very on top of it

why did you select this one?

are you chasing?

They are local to us and had great reviews, that is why we chose them.

I chased them end of last week and are yet to reply

You instructed during school holidays, they have probably been working with skeleton staff and prioritising the matters exchanging and completing during that time.

I have found that most things that used to be good are no longer so. You shouldn't need to chase, but it is in your interest. It can be done politely with a phone call every few days asking for a status update.

Per the post above, school holidays robably haven't helped, but that is their problem to solve. I don't suppose they gave you a discount based on being slow when short staffed.

Husband rang and they are down to 1 legal secretary instead of 2.

Solicitor said they are hoping to look at our later file this week.... (we haven't even had a welcome pack yet!)

We have decided to go with another firm as the phone call didn't put our worries at any sort of ease

Was that the first time you’d chased for an update?

you need to be very pro active

If they aren't responding to you chasing, if you haven't paid anything, I'd find someone else. We recently moved our solicitor was excellent, best I've ever used. If I queried anything I would have a response within the hour, often quicker than an hour. Go with your gut if you aren't happy, swap.

I don’t suppose you could PM me with their details? I’m in need of a decent conveyancing solicitor!