Should I Just Choose the Cheapest Solicitor When Buying a House?

While solicitors aren’t legally required when buying a house, most people choose to use one. But given the complex nature of legal issues, many of us don’t actually understand what we’re paying for. As a result, one of the most common questions we see around solicitors is, “Should I just choose the cheapest option?” 

While it can be tempting to cut costs in this area, this article will outline the dangers of simply choosing the cheapest solicitor on the market when buying real estate.

The Hidden Risks of Choosing the Cheapest Solicitor

Service Quality

As with anything, price is often a reflection of quality when it comes to choosing a solicitor. If you find that a solicitor is offering an abnormally low price compared to its competitors, it may be a sign that the service you will receive will be far lower too.

When dealing with a solicitor, low-quality service could range from poor communication to mishandling funds. You should also be aware of scams and fraudulent solicitors who use low fees as a way to hook targets in.

Hidden Costs

It’s also worth considering if the price you are seeing is the final price. Some solicitors may use low fees to draw people in before slapping on extra hidden fees that see the total price skyrocket.

Costs such as searches and land registry fees are often included as standard, but if you’re seeing a surprisingly low price, it may be because these things have yet to be added to the price. 

Experience

Another reason why solicitors charge a lower price is that they are inexperienced and looking to establish a name for themselves. Like any industry, inexperienced solicitors can’t demand the same fees as those who have built their reputation over several years.

While inexperience doesn’t necessarily mean incompetence, there are risks of using solicitors who are new to the industry. Tasks may not be completed as quickly, or important details may be missed as a result of your solicitor’s inexperience. 

How to Find a Good Solicitor 

So if it’s not as easy as simply finding the cheapest solicitor, how do you find a trusty solicitor? There are a few things you should consider before looking at the price being charged.

Local Options

Start by focusing your search for a solicitor in your local area. This gives you the benefit of being able to meet face-to-face so you can get a better feel for the service being offered. While it’s common for people to never meet their solicitor physically in this day and age, it’s online where the most scams happen.

Recommendations

Another good place to start is by asking around your family and friends for recommendations. This is arguably the safest way to choose a solicitor, as you can be assured that the service is legit and also of a high standard.

Compare Quotes

As mentioned already, the initial price you see may not be the final price. So when comparing solicitors, make sure you get a full breakdown of what’s included. This allows you to get a fair comparison and means you’re comparing options based on value rather than upfront cost.

Look for Specialists

Another way to ensure that you get the best value for money when choosing a solicitor is by searching for a specialist. Solicitors who charge the lowest price may not be able to offer specialised advice for your situation. Some solicitors may be able to offer specialist advice for first-time buyers or landlords, while companies like Bond Turner have specialist solicitors who can deal with housing disrepair claims. 

Final Thoughts

The cheapest option isn’t always the best option; in fact, it rarely is, and this isn’t limited to choosing a solicitor. If you do make an ill-informed decision when choosing a solicitor, the consequences could involve losing time or even money in the long run. Fortunately, there is a lot of information out there already that can help you make your decision. From online reviews to family recommendations, be sure to do your due diligence when choosing a solicitor and resist the temptation to simply work with the most affordable option.