When and How to Switch Conveyancers

Buyers and sellers can switch conveyancers at any stage of the process, without causing delay in the property transaction. While it can be done as long as there’s no completion yet, the ideal time is before exchange of contracts.

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Can you switch conveyancers during a property transaction?

Yes, you can switch conveyancing lawyers if you feel they have let you down or have not represented your best interests. The best time to do it is before exchange of contracts, or as long as there’s no completion.

Changing conveyancers sounds like a tedious task on top of all the other things to think about when moving. However, a new conveyancer may be what you need to make the whole process faster and less stressful.

If, with your current conveyancer, you’re experiencing:

• Multiple delays
• Poor communication
• Lack of digital processes (e.g., for faster file transfers)

For your peace of mind, you may want to switch to a more modern conveyancer with a digital-first approach so they can provide a conveyancing solution that helps you complete the process faster.

Before switching…

If you’re experiencing issues with your current conveyancer, the first step is to raise them with your conveyancer. Under the SRA (Solicitor Regulation Authority) and CLC (Council for Licensed Conveyancers), all regulated firms in England and Wales must have and follow a formal complaints procedure before escalation. Give your conveyancer the courtesy of responding to your concerns and resolving them through their complaints-handling process. 

However, if you’ve exhausted other options and they’re still unable to reach a resolution, you are fully entitled to look for a different conveyancer. You can also escalate complaints to the Legal Ombudsman if the service standards are not met, but this can be done alongside switching to a new conveyancing firm.

Things to consider

Once you feel the need to switch conveyancers, you need to consider the cost implications, possible delays and how this change might affect your mortgage application (if any). For instance, lender panel approval and digital file compatibility are important factors to consider before switching conveyancers.

Among the specific things you need to review are:

• Fees for conveyancing work already completed
• Whether your mortgage lender will accept the new conveyancer
• How quickly can your file be transferred

When is the best time to switch conveyancers?

The ideal time to switch conveyancers is before exchange of contracts, when legal commitments are not yet finalised. Switching afterwards is still possible, but it will carry risks that could affect completion timelines and legal obligations.

If you’re still early in the conveyancing process (e.g., pre-searches or pre-contract), switching may be easier with less risk.

Step-by-step: How to switch conveyancers

Instructing conveyancers usually starts with an agreement. When switching to a new conveyancer, you need to formally end your current agreement, appoint the new conveyancer, and transfer all legal files to them. This should be done carefully to reduce delays and protect the transaction timeline.

Here are the steps to switch conveyancers (assuming you have exhausted efforts to resolve issues with the current one):

1. Choose a new conveyancer. Before ending the current agreement, instruct a new firm to minimise gaps in the representation.
2. Notify the current conveyancer in writing. Request a ‘closure of file’ as well as the final invoice for any work completed so far.
3. Settle outstanding fees. Pay the current conveyancer for the work they have carried out so they can release your file.
4. Authorise file transfer. Give your new conveyancer an authorisation to request your file. This should include all work done, like searches, contracts, and any correspondence with other parties.
5. Inform your estate agent and lender. Some mortgage lenders may need to approve the new conveyancer, so make sure they are informed of your plans to switch.
6. New conveyancer continues the process. Once all legal files are endorsed and transferred, the new conveyancer will assess progress, identify risks requiring immediate attention, and move the transaction forward.

Benefits of switching conveyancers

An underperforming conveyancer can make the process lengthy and complicated. Switching to the right conveyancing firm can:

• Provide faster responses
• Reduce delays
• Offer clearer guidance
• Ensure transparency in both cost and progress

Switch to firms that offer proactive updates, use digital systems, and provide a dedicated case management to minimise delays.

Why switch to Muve?

Muve offers faster conveyancing through Muve Lightspeed and Muve Forward. You’ll enjoy a more transparent conveyancing experience supported by digital tools and proactive communication.

With Muve, you’ll benefit from:

• A CLC-regulated conveyancer with local expertise
• A dedicated account manager providing proactive updates
• A 24/7 online case tracking portal
• A fixed-fee conveyancing with a “No Move, No Legal Fee” guarantee

Muve follows a streamlined process that can transfer your current conveyancing file over so you can reach completion faster.

Keep your transaction on track with Muve. Get a quick conveyancing quote within minutes.