Changing Solicitors During a House Purchase or Sale

Both conveyancers and solicitors manage the legal transfer of property in the UK, but differ in scope. Solicitors are qualified lawyers trained in a wider range of legal matters, while licensed conveyancers specialise solely in property transactions. If you're unhappy with whoever is handling your case — solicitor or licensed conveyancer — you have the right to change firms.

Whether switching is the right decision depends on timing, cost, and the specific problem you're trying to solve. This guide covers everything you need to consider.

Can You Change Solicitors Halfway Through?

Yes — you can change your conveyancing solicitor at any stage of the transaction, from the moment you instruct right up to exchange of contracts. After exchange, switching becomes significantly more complicated: it may delay your completion date and potentially expose you to financial penalties under the contract.

Should You Change Conveyancers?

Before deciding to switch, think carefully about what you're trying to achieve and whether changing will actually solve the problem. Ask yourself:

• Is the issue a genuine failure of service, or is it normal conveyancing delay?
• Have you formally raised the issue with the firm?
• How far along is the transaction? The closer to exchange, the higher the risk of switching.
• What will you actually pay for work already done?

Changing conveyancers will almost certainly extend how long the conveyancing process takes. Your new solicitor will need to review everything from scratch, re-do some checks, and get up to speed. Build that time cost into your decision.

Do You Have to Pay When Changing Solicitors?

In most cases, yes. Your existing solicitor will charge for work already completed before releasing your file. Typical charges include:

• A proportion of the agreed legal fee (based on time spent)
• Any disbursements already paid on your behalf (searches, Land Registry fees, etc.) — these are non-refundable regardless of who pays them
• Some firms charge an administration fee for transferring the file

Review your original client care letter carefully — it should set out the firm's policy on charges if the instruction is terminated early. Some "no sale, no fee" firms will waive the legal fee, but you will still owe disbursements already incurred.

Reasons People Change Conveyancing Solicitors

Common reasons for switching include:

Reason	How Common	Notes
Poor communication / not being updated	Very common	The number one complaint about conveyancers
Unexplained delays / slow progress	Common	First check whether delays are actually your solicitor's fault
Loss of trust or confidence	Moderate	If you genuinely feel they are not acting in your interests
Unexpectedly high fees or hidden costs	Moderate	Review your quote carefully — some add-ons are legitimate
Disagreement over legal advice	Less common	Consider getting a second opinion before switching
Firm closure or solicitor leaving	Rare	Your file must be transferred; the firm is obliged to assist

How to Change Conveyancing Solicitors

1. Notify your current solicitor in writing that you wish to terminate the instruction.
2. Request a closing account — ask for a breakdown of fees and disbursements owed.
3. Pay outstanding fees — you must settle the account before the file will be released.
4. Instruct a new firm — choose a regulated solicitor who is on your mortgage lender's panel.
5. Sign an authority form to allow the old firm to transfer your file to the new one.
6. Allow time for file review — your new solicitor will review everything and may need to re-order some checks.

When to Stay Put Instead

Sometimes the best decision is to raise the problem directly with your current firm rather than switching. Consider:

• Making a formal complaint if the service has been inadequate — firms have an obligation to address complaints
• Asking to speak to a senior partner or supervisor about communication issues
• Requesting a case update in writing if you've not been kept informed

If you're simply frustrated by normal delays in the conveyancing process (search results taking time, enquiries going back and forth), switching firms won't speed things up — it will slow them down significantly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I change solicitors after exchange of contracts?

Technically yes, but it is very risky and strongly inadvisable. After exchange, both parties are legally committed. Delays at this stage can result in financial penalties and complications with completion.

How long does it take to change conveyancers?

Typically 2–4 weeks from serving notice to the new solicitor being fully up to speed. During this time, progress on your transaction effectively stops.

Will I lose my searches if I change solicitors?

No — your searches are included in your file and will be transferred. However, your new solicitor may need to validate them or order additional searches depending on how much time has passed.