Buying your first home is exciting, but many buyers make mistakes on the legal side of things.
Choosing the right solicitor is not just a formality; it can be the difference between a smooth, stress-free process and months of frustration, delays, and unexpected costs. Yet many first-time buyers are unsure of what to look for, leading them to end up with a solicitor who isn’t the best fit for their situation.
Before you instruct a solicitor, here’s what you need to know and why choosing the right one is as important as securing your mortgage.
What Does a Property Solicitor Actually Do?
Many first-time buyers assume conveyancing is just admin checking paperwork, ticking boxes, and getting the deal over the line. It’s not.
More than just paperwork, a solicitor’s role is to safeguard your legal and financial interests, ensuring the property you’re buying is free from potential issues that could cost you later.
This includes:
- Conducting legal searches – Checking for risks like contaminated land, flood zones, or planning issues that could affect the property’s value.
- Ensuring the mortgage lender’s requirements are met - avoid complications during the mortgage application, it’s essential to use a solicitor experienced with the lender’s processes.
- Handling Help to Buy & Shared Ownership – Mistakes here could mean facing complications when selling in the future.
- Registering your property with the Land Registry – Without this, you may not legally own your home, even after you’ve moved in.
Why First-Time Buyers Struggle to Find the Right Solicitor
With so many solicitors out there, how do you choose? Many first-time buyers rely on:
🚩 Estate agent referrals – Some agents work with firms that pay them commissions, not necessarily those that offer the best service.
🚩 Price comparisons – The cheapest option often means slow service, inexperience, and hidden fees.
🚩 Online reviews – Helpful, but they don’t always tell the whole story.
The problem is that not every solicitor understands the needs of first-time buyers. If they don’t regularly handle Help to Buy, shared ownership, your transaction could encounter unnecessary roadblocks.
Key Questions to Ask Before Choosing a Solicitor
1. Are They Experienced in First-Time Buyer Schemes?
First-time buyer schemes like Help to Buy, Shared Ownership, and Lifetime ISAs have specific legal requirements. Mistakes could delay your purchase or cost you money if your solicitor isn’t well-versed in these.
2. Do They Offer Clear, Upfront Pricing?
Some firms provide a low initial quote but impose additional charges. Ensure that everything is included.
3. How Responsive Are They?
A good solicitor should keep you informed, respond to queries promptly, and actively advance the process. If they’re unresponsive before you instruct them, consider how they’ll be once they have your money.
4. Do They Have a Track Record of Efficiency?
Some solicitors take on too many cases, resulting in unnecessary delays. Inquire about their usual completion times for transactions.
Common Mistakes First-Time Buyers Make When Choosing a Solicitor
1. Choosing Based on Price Alone
Cheap conveyancing often means slow service, mistakes, and unexpected extra costs later.
2. Not Checking Their Experience with First-Time Buyer Schemes
A solicitor who doesn’t regularly handle ISAs or shared ownership may struggle with the extra paperwork, which can cause delays.
3. Assuming All Solicitors Are the Same
A bad solicitor won’t just slow things down but can create long-term legal issues that surface years later when you try to sell.
4. Choosing a Solicitor Who Won’t Prioritise Your Case
Your purchase isn’t their priority if your solicitor juggles hundreds of files.
Why Rachel Watts Law is the Right Choice for First-Time Buyers
Choosing the right solicitor isn’t merely about finding someone who can manage the legal process; it’s about finding an expert in first-time buyers who communicates clearly and actively advances your transaction forward.
At Rachel Watts Law, we offer:
- ✔ Specialist knowledge in Help to Buy, Shared Ownership & ISAs – No missed bonuses or paperwork errors.
- ✔ Mortgage lender panel access – No extra delays or fees for a second solicitor.
- ✔ Fast, efficient, and proactive service – We keep your transaction moving, ensuring you feel secure and in control throughout the process.
- ✔ Clear, fixed fees – No hidden costs or unexpected extras.
- ✔ Direct solicitor access – No call centres or junior case handlers.
Get Your First Home Without the Legal Headaches
If you’re purchasing your first home, don’t leave your legal work to chance. Choosing the wrong solicitor could cost you time, money, and unnecessary stress.
Rachel Watts Law ensures that your first home purchase is managed with expertise, efficiency, and care.
Get in touch today to find out how we can help.