How to Instruct a Solicitor When Buying a House

To ensure your property purchase goes smoothly, you’ll need a solicitor. Since most people only buy a home a few times in their lives, the process can feel confusing and daunting.

Instructing a solicitor is one of the first and most important steps, yet many buyers aren’t sure what it involves, when to do it, or how to choose the right one.

This guide breaks it all down clearly, and to save time, you can use Compare My Move to compare quotes from up to 5 local conveyancing solicitors.

What Does It Mean To ‘Instruct’ a Solicitor When Buying a House?

Instructing a solicitor means formally appointing them to act for you in your property purchase. It’s the point where the solicitor and client relationship begins and they can start work.

This usually involves:

• Receiving and signing a client care letter and terms of business
• Completing ID and anti–money laundering checks, including proof of funds
• Paying an initial amount on account so searches can be ordered

Once instructed, your solicitor will open your file, notify the other parties, and request the contract pack from the seller’s solicitor.

When Should You Instruct a Solicitor?

We recommend instructing a solicitor when buying a house as early as possible, ideally before you make or accept an offer. This gives enough time for ID checks and paperwork so your transaction is not delayed.

• If you're selling: Instruct as soon as your property goes on the market. This allows your solicitor to prepare documents in advance.
• If you're buying: Choose your solicitor before making an offer, then formally instruct them once it is accepted. Estate agents will ask for their details immediately.
• If you're remortgaging or transferring equity: Instruct after you have chosen your lender, but shortlist firms beforehand to avoid delays.

How to Choose the Right Solicitor

The right solicitor for you is one who is properly regulated, approved by your lender, and easy to communicate with. Taking time to choose carefully will make your move smoother and reduce the risk of delays.

Key factors to check:

• Accreditations: Look for Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA) regulation or Conveyancing Quality Scheme (CQS) membership.
• Mortgage lender approval: Confirm they are on your lender’s panel. Without this, you may need to appoint a second firm, adding cost and delay.
• Communication style: Decide whether you want updates by phone, email, or online portal, and choose a firm that matches your preference.
• Local knowledge vs online convenience: Local solicitors understand search turnaround times and area-specific risks. Online firms can be cheaper and offer digital convenience, but may lack personal service.
• Reviews and reputation: Check independent feedback on clarity, speed, and responsiveness, not just price.

Choosing carefully matters. The wrong solicitor can cause delays, unexpected costs, or even jeopardise your purchase.

It’s Your Choice Which Solicitor You Instruct

When it comes to conveyancing, the decision is always yours. Estate agents and mortgage lenders often recommend solicitors they already work with, but you are under no obligation to use them.

In fact, relying solely on a recommended firm can sometimes mean paying higher fees or working with a solicitor whose service style doesn’t match your needs. By shopping around, you can compare firms on cost, experience, and communication style, and choose one you feel comfortable with.

You're free to instruct any solicitor or licensed conveyancer, as long as they are properly regulated and, if you are buying with a mortgage, approved by your lender. A solicitor is legally bound to act in your best interests, and mortgage lenders will not proceed without proper legal representation.

Choosing for yourself gives you more control, better value, and the reassurance that your transaction is handled by someone who is committed to protecting your position.

What Happens When You Instruct a Solicitor?

Once you have formally instructed your solicitor, they take the legal steps needed to move your transaction forward. Here is what usually happens next:

• File opened: Your solicitor records your details and preferred communication method.
• Parties notified: The estate agent and the other solicitor are informed. The agent issues a memorandum of sale.
• Contract pack prepared: The seller’s solicitor gathers the draft contract, title documents, and completed forms (such as the TA6 and TA10).
• Searches and enquiries: The buyer’s solicitor orders searches and raises enquiries to check for risks or missing information.
• Report and signing: The buyer receives a report on title with key findings and signs the necessary documents.
• Exchange and completion: Contracts are exchanged, the transaction becomes binding, and funds are transferred on completion day.

This process ensures both sides meet their legal obligations and that your purchase or sale can progress smoothly through to completion and registration.

What Documents Will You Need?

Paperwork is a major part of conveyancing, and missing documents are one of the biggest sources of delays. Preparing everything in advance means your solicitor can move quickly and avoid back-and-forth later in the process.

Here’s what you’ll need, depending on whether you’re selling or buying:

If You’re Selling:

• Photo ID & proof of address
• Title deeds (if you have them; otherwise your solicitor will obtain from Land Registry)
• Warranties, guarantees, and certificates (e.g. double glazing, damp proofing, gas/electrical safety)
• Planning permission or building regulation sign-off for any extensions
• Boiler service records, chimney sweeping receipts, etc.
• TA6 Property Information Form
• TA10 Fixtures and Fittings Form
• TA7 Leasehold Information Form (if selling a leasehold property)

If You’re Buying:

• Photo ID & proof of address
• Proof of deposit and/or bank statements showing funds
• Mortgage offer details (when received)

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How to Instruct a Conveyancing Solicitor

To formally instruct a solicitor, you need to complete a few simple steps so they can open your file and start work:

1. Request a written quote and check what is included in the legal fee and disbursements.
2. Receive and sign the client care letter and terms of business to confirm the appointment.
3. Complete ID and anti-money laundering checks by providing photo ID, proof of address, and, if buying, evidence of funds.
4. Pay money on account so the solicitor can order searches and cover initial costs.
5. Provide your details such as your estate agent, broker, and lender information.

Once you have completed these steps, your solicitor is officially instructed. From there, they will open the file, notify the other parties, and begin the conveyancing process.