Expert opinion: When it comes to moving home, get streets ahead – choose a high street solicitor

We all use the internet for so many different things: buying our groceries, shopping for clothes or even house hunting.

But when you consider that buying your home is likely to be the biggest investment you make in your lifetime, you need to be certain to instruct a property lawyer that’s right for you.

It can be tempting to use an online conveyancer, but look a little closer. Will you actually save money or are there hidden costs? Can you speak to the same person twice? What if things start to get complicated, what happens then?

With such a significant purchase you should always be able to meet your lawyer face-to-face first. You should choose someone you trust, someone you know and someone that puts your needs first.

Ten reasons to instruct a high street solicitor when moving home:

1. You can speak to your named residential property lawyer face-to-face to discuss any issues or concerns you may have. Whilst you’re there you can sign any documents too, rather than having to wait for them to be posted or emailed.
2. High street property lawyers have excellent knowledge of the local area and can provide you with their insight and advice based on their own experience.
3. If things become complicated, high street residential property lawyers have the experience and knowledge to deal with the issues and to guide you through.
4. Many high street firms will allocate you an individual property lawyer who will look after you from initial contact through to completion of your sale or purchase – a personal, tailored service.
5. There has been a surge in fraudsters targeting law firms by intercepting emails and changing bank details. By instructing a high street law firm you can always pop in and see them to clarify bank details. Having face-to-face contact really does help reduce the likelihood of identity theft.
6. Experienced high street property lawyers have excellent relationships with local estate agents. They also have a large network of local specialists and can recommend reliable surveyors, architects, mortgage advisers, etc.
7. Online conveyancers often advertise low price costs designed to catch the eye. But there may well be extra costs hidden in the small print that aren’t immediately obvious.
8. Online firms tend to stack up their workloads in order to hit “targets”, which in turn can lead to a lapse in quality. With these types of firms you can easily become a ‘number” rather than a valued client.
9. Once you have instructed a high street lawyer and have moved home, you might want to update your will, have a trust deed prepared, or perhaps your family circumstances have changed. High street solicitors can offer a wide range of legal services and are always happy to help. Their lawyers work closely together to ensure a smooth process.
10. Some estate agents get referral fees for recommending online firms. High street solicitors rely on their reputation and excellent service and are happy to put it to the test.

Sarah Thomson is head of residential property at high street solicitor Goughs, which has offices in Calne, Chippenham, Corsham, Devizes, Melksham, and Trowbridge. www.goughs.co.uk