Can you/should you line up a solicitor and surveying inspector before getting stuck into buying?

[kayspace]

Is there any point? With a view to cutting down the stupid delays caused by waiting for solicitors etc?

IME it was easy enough to get a solicitor, surveyor as we needed it. we just rang them and that was that, done.

Yes, find a solicitor. You cannot, however, instruct them until you have found a property you want to buy.

I imagine conveyancing solicitors are pretty keen for business in this economic climate so its probably worth ringing around, you might be able to get very competitive fees.

If you are buying with a mortgage the lender will supply a surveyor.

If no mortgage, then you might as well ring round the local surveyors, no harm done.

No point, especially in this market - I can promise you property solicitors and building surveyors are not overworked. I know a surveyor whose work has dropped by about 80% in the past year.

Get your finances sorted out early and get something in writing that shows you are good for what you offer.