The Risks of Using a Cheap, Online Conveyancing Firm

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The Risks of Using a Cheap, Online Conveyancing Firm

Choosing a cheap, online conveyancing firm may seem like a smart decision because of the low price. However, there are risks to consider before going with the cheapest option. Keep reading to see why price shouldn’t be your only factor when making this choice.

Lack of personal service

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Cheap online conveyancing firms usually work on high volume, low-cost models. This means they spend less time on each client. They often communicate through generic emails or call centres, which makes it harder to get quick, personalised answers to your questions.

Local conveyancers offer a more personal, face-to-face service. They get to know you and your case and are more likely to respond quickly to your questions and keep you updated.

Limited accessibility

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Getting in contact with an online conveyancing firm can be difficult, especially at important points in the process. Their working hours may not match your needs, and delays in responses can be frustrating.

Your local Conveyancing firm are easier to reach. You can visit them in person to discuss issues or ask questions, which helps speed things up.

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Lack of local knowledge, increased risk of errors

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Cheap, online firms might not know local laws or market conditions. This means they could miss important checks, like:

Local authority searches
Flood risks
Planning restrictions

Missing or delaying these checks can cause problems or delays later. Online firms also handle more cases and often have less experienced staff. This increases the chances of mistakes, like missed deadlines or financial penalties. For more complicated cases, like leasehold properties or boundary disputes, online firms might not have the right expertise to handle them properly.

Local Conveyancers usually have fewer cases, which allows them to focus more on your transaction. They understand the area, local councils, and other factors that could affect your property. They’ll make sure all necessary checks are done and can guide you through complex cases with the right legal advice.

Hidden costs

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Online firms may seem cheap at first, but they often add extra charges during the process. These may include costs for:

Searches
Additional legal advice

These hidden fees can make the final price higher than expected.

Local Conveyancers are typically upfront about their fees. You’ll know exactly what you’re paying for, which helps you plan your budget better.

Poor reputation or lack of accountability

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Local firms rely on their good reputation. They care more about providing high-quality service because their name in the community matters. If problems come up later, they’re more likely to fix them quickly. The same can't always be said for online firms. Once a transaction finishes, they could disappear, leaving you with little help if something goes wrong.

Conclusion

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Though online conveyancing firms might seem cheaper at first, they come with risks. A few that we have mentioned are poor communication, hidden fees, and lack of local knowledge. Choosing a local firm gives you peace of mind with their expertise and dependable service. We also recommend the expertise of using a Solicitor's firm that offers conveyancing and litigation.

A recent case that we have been acting for the seller on has experienced a delay right at the end of the transaction. The delay happened because the buyer's bank didn't request needed information during business hours, causing a hold-up.

A solicitor’s firm with a litigation team can help figure out who is to blame and protect the client’s money. They can challenge unfair charges, delays, or mistakes, like when the buyer's bank caused a delay by asking for information after hours. A firm with litigation expertise can make sure clients aren’t unfairly charged and can fight any wrong claims. Something that would be challenging to achieve with an online conveyancing firm.

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