Essential guidance
Key things to consider.
Fixed-fee pricing—avoid hourly rates with open-ended bills
Clear communication and responsiveness throughout the transaction
Experience with your local property market and area
Specialist knowledge of leasehold or freehold issues if applicable
Familiarity with specialist mortgages (shared ownership, equity release, etc.) if relevant
Understanding of local searches and survey findings
Experience managing chains and tight timescales
Willingness to liaise closely with your mortgage lender and estate agent
Questions to ask your solicitor.
Do you offer a fixed fee for my transaction type?
A fixed fee means you know the total cost upfront, with no surprises at completion.
How will you communicate with me during the transaction?
Ask about update frequency, preferred contact method, and after-hours availability.
Have you handled similar properties in this area?
Local knowledge helps identify issues and speeds up searches and enquiries.
What searches will you conduct and why?
Searches vary by location. Ensure your solicitor explains local flood risk, planning, and contamination searches.
When will I know the total costs, including searches and disbursements?
Transparency is essential. Get a complete cost breakdown in writing.
Ready to instruct a residential property solicitor?
Burns & Co. Legal offers transparent fixed-fee conveyancing for all residential property transactions.
Burns & Co. Legal is a trading style of Burns and Company Professional Limited. Burns and Company Professional Limited provides reserved legal services through firms which are authorised and regulated by the Solicitors Regulation Authority, and Authorised by the FCA for Insurance Distribution purposes on a portfolio basis.