Can You Change Solicitors Halfway Through Buying a House

Can You Change Solicitors Halfway Through Buying a House

Buying a home is one of the most significant financial commitments most people will ever make. The process is often complex, time sensitive and emotionally charged, so it is understandable that buyers want to feel supported and confident in their solicitor or conveyancer throughout the journey. However, if communication breaks down or the service falls short of expectations, you may find yourself wondering whether it is possible to change solicitors partway through a house purchase.

The simple answer is yes, you are entitled to change your solicitor at any stage before contracts are exchanged. It is your legal right as a client to choose who represents you. That said, switching mid transaction can come with complications, costs and delays that should be carefully weighed before making the decision. If you are dissatisfied, it is important to understand the implications and plan the transition with care.

Making a change at the right moment and for the right reasons can ultimately lead to a smoother and more reassuring home buying experience. With the right preparation, you can limit disruption and avoid unnecessary delays.

Why Homebuyers Consider Changing Solicitors

There are several reasons why someone might want to change solicitor partway through the conveyancing process. One of the most common complaints is poor communication. If calls go unanswered, updates are infrequent or it is difficult to get a clear explanation of what is happening, confidence can quickly erode. Buying a house involves tight timelines and many moving parts, so reliable contact is essential.

Another issue may be slow progress. If you feel your solicitor is not progressing with searches, raising enquiries or chasing up the other side, it can be frustrating. Delays in conveyancing can cost buyers their dream home, especially in a competitive market.

Some buyers also change solicitors after receiving unexpected costs or discovering that the service does not match what was originally promised. In other cases, a more serious breakdown of trust may occur, or the buyer may have had a recommendation for a more experienced or specialist conveyancer.

Whatever the reason, it is vital to consider whether the problem could be resolved with a frank conversation before deciding to move on. Changing solicitors should ideally be a last resort when other efforts have failed.

What to Consider Before Making the Switch

Before formally deciding to change solicitor, there are a few key factors to consider. First, check whether you have signed a client care letter or engagement agreement with the firm. This document may set out terms relating to early termination or fees payable if you choose to leave mid process.

It is also important to consider how much progress has been made. If your current solicitor has already carried out significant work such as local searches, raising enquiries or reviewing the contract, you will likely need to pay for that time, even if you do not continue with them. These fees are typically non refundable.

Your new solicitor will need to request the file from the outgoing firm, which can take time. Delays can occur if there is a backlog, a dispute over payment or poor cooperation between firms. This may affect your completion timeline, so speak to your new solicitor about how they will manage the transition to minimise disruption.

If you are part of a chain, it is courteous and often necessary to inform your seller’s solicitor and the estate agent. They will need to redirect future correspondence to your new representative, and it helps avoid confusion or assumptions about the transaction falling through.

How to Change Solicitor Midway Through the Process

If you have decided to change solicitor, the first step is to instruct a new firm. Choose a conveyancer or solicitor with experience in managing mid process transitions. Ask them whether they are comfortable taking over a file at your current stage and what steps they will take to avoid duplication of work.

Once instructed, your new solicitor will send a request for the file to your previous solicitor. This includes all correspondence, draft documents, ID checks, search results and any progress made to date. They may also need to verify your identity again and reissue certain forms for regulatory purposes.

It is advisable to notify your existing solicitor in writing that you are terminating the arrangement and requesting that your file be transferred. Keep the communication polite and professional. If there is a dispute over fees, try to resolve it swiftly or seek advice from the Legal Ombudsman.

Your new solicitor will carry out a review of the file and advise whether any documents need to be redone. In some cases, search results and surveys can be reused. In others, you may need to pay for updated information, particularly if the original searches are time sensitive or incomplete.

Costs and Delays Associated with Changing Solicitors

Switching solicitors does usually come at a cost. You will likely need to pay your original solicitor for the work completed so far, even if you are unhappy with the outcome. Your new solicitor will also charge for picking up the case, reviewing the file and continuing the work. If searches or legal checks need to be redone, this adds further expense.

There may also be a delay while the file is transferred and reviewed. Depending on how cooperative the outgoing firm is, this can take a few days or a few weeks. If you are under pressure to exchange or complete by a certain date, be realistic about whether this move will help or hinder your progress.

Despite the costs, if the service is truly inadequate or causing stress and confusion, moving to a more responsive solicitor can ultimately be the better choice. Many buyers report feeling relieved once the switch is made and progress begins again in earnest.

When Is the Best Time to Change Solicitor

The earlier you decide to change solicitor, the easier it tends to be. Switching shortly after instructing a firm, before searches have been ordered or contracts reviewed, may involve fewer fees and delays. Once enquiries are underway or mortgage arrangements are tied to the solicitor, the process becomes more complex.

If you are approaching exchange of contracts, it is generally advisable to stay with your current solicitor unless there is a serious breakdown in communication or trust. Changing solicitor at this point risks delaying the entire chain and could lead to the seller pulling out if deadlines are missed.

A good rule of thumb is to raise concerns early and give your current solicitor a chance to improve. If there is no change and your confidence continues to decline, do not be afraid to make the switch, provided you do so with full awareness of the steps involved.