Buying property can be expensive. In addition to the cost of the property itself, you will likely incur a variety of other expenses, such as surveyors’ and solicitors’ fees. That’s why some property buyers are attracted to online conveyancing solicitors and the costs savings they purport to offer.

Buying a property is a considerable financial commitment, and choosing the right conveyancer is essential in ensuring that you make the right choice and your position is properly protected. Here, we explain what online conveyancing solicitors do and highlight the potential downsides of choosing this route.

To speak to our experts please call us free of charge on  0800 988 3674 or Make A Free Online Enquiry.

What Is Online Conveyancing?

Online conveyancing solicitors operate primarily through digital platforms. They advertise low-cost services, usually offering a fixed fee model. Clients are given access to an online portal where they can upload documents, track progress, and message case handlers.

The model is designed for speed and scale. Many online conveyancing solicitors are expected to handle thousands of transactions simultaneously. As a result, they rely heavily on standardised processes to deal with their caseload.

What Is Traditional Conveyancing?

By contrast, traditional conveyancing is carried out by a solicitor or licensed conveyancer at a law firm regulated by the Solicitors Regulation Authority. A qualified legal professional handles your case and takes responsibility for it from start to finish.

Your dedicated solicitor or conveyancer will take the time to get to know you and your circumstances, so they can provide bespoke advice and effectively protect your interests.

What Are The Key Differences Between Online And Traditional Firms?

Levels of personal service.

• Online conveyancing solicitors – online conveyancing solicitors often operate as call centres. You may never speak to the same person twice, and your case may be passed between multiple handlers.
• Traditional firms – traditional conveyancing firms allocate a named solicitor or conveyancer to manage your case from start to finish. Every property and every client is different. A traditional solicitor can provide bespoke advice that takes account of your circumstances, rather than relying on a one-size-fits-all process.

Expertise And Advice

• Online conveyancing solicitors – online conveyancing solicitors can handle straightforward claims but may be less equipped to deal with any complex or unusual situations that arise.
• Traditional firms –conveyancing is much more than just a box-ticking exercise. It is a complex legal process that requires expertise and swift problem-solving. At traditional conveyancing firms, transactions are handled by trained solicitors or licensed conveyancers who can identify risks, explain legal jargon, and provide tailored advice.

Communication

• Online conveyancing solicitors – online conveyancing solicitors tend to rely heavily on automated emails, call centres, and online portals to communicate with their clients.
• Traditional firms – Clear communication is essential in conveyancing transactions. Clients often find the process stressful and overwhelming, and they appreciate having a dedicated professional on hand to keep them informed, answer their questions, and explain complex legal issues in plain English. Traditional conveyancing firms offer clients direct contact with the individual handling their case. You can pick up the phone, arrange a meeting, or email your solicitor and be confident that you will receive a timely, personalised response.

Problem Solving

• Online conveyancing solicitors – online conveyancing solicitors work on volume and at speed. If your transaction is straightforward, it may go through smoothly. However, if complications arise, such as boundary disputes or title defects, your transaction can stall.
• Traditional firms – traditional conveyancing firms have the expertise required to pre-empt potential problems before they can derail a transaction, ensuring your purchase stays on track.

Are Bartlett’s Online Coveyancing Solicitors?

Bartlett’s is a traditional solicitors’ practice with a long history of providing exceptional legal advice and exemplary levels of service. We have helped countless clients, from first time buyers to seasoned investors, to buy a home swiftly, cost-effectively, and without issue.

Furthermore, we do not just offer conveyancing services. Our solicitors can also support you with wills, probate, housing repairs, and personal injury matters. We build strong relationships with our clients and are proud that many of them choose to come to us for support and guidance with a wide range of legal issues.

While we are proud of our traditional values, we embrace any technology that may assist us in doing the best possible job for our clients. Our solicitors always enjoy meeting with our clients in person, but we are equally as happy to conduct a transaction over email or the phone and meet with our clients virtually if that is more convenient for them. We firmly believe that our approach offers our clients the best of both worlds: high-quality legal advice provided swiftly, seamlessly, and when you need it.

To speak to our experts please call us free of charge on  0800 988 3674 or Make A Free Online Enquiry.