Conveyancer vs Solicitor: Which Do You Need?
Choosing who handles your property purchase or sale is one of the first decisions you will make after your offer is accepted. At Ally Randall Solicitors, clients often ask whether they need a solicitor or a licensed conveyancer. This guide explains the differences between a conveyancer and a solicitor, who regulates each, when one may suit you better and what to check before you instruct anyone.
Quick answer: Both solicitors and licensed conveyancers can handle a house purchase or sale in England and Wales. Solicitors are regulated by the Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA) and can advise across many areas of law. Licensed conveyancers are regulated by the Council for Licensed Conveyancers (CLC) and specialise in property law. The right choice depends on how complex your transaction is, what your lender requires and whether you may need wider legal help.
What Is a Solicitor?
A solicitor is a qualified lawyer regulated by the SRA in England and Wales. Solicitors can advise on many areas of law, including property, wills, probate, family and immigration. A conveyancing solicitor is a solicitor who specialises in buying, selling and transferring property. Ally Randall Solicitors is authorised and regulated by the SRA, number 8004119.
What Is a Licensed Conveyancer?
A licensed conveyancer is a property law specialist who is a member of, and regulated by, the Council for Licensed Conveyancers. Licensed conveyancers can run their own firms and focus on property and land transactions. They operate in England and Wales and not in Scotland or Northern Ireland.
The word conveyancer is also used informally for anyone who carries out conveyancing, including experienced conveyancers who work inside solicitors’ firms. Our own team includes an associate conveyancer with over 29 years of residential experience, working alongside solicitors, a trainee solicitor and paralegals.
Conveyancer vs Solicitor: Key Differences
| Feature | Solicitor | Licensed conveyancer |
| Regulated by | Solicitors Regulation Authority | Council for Licensed Conveyancers |
| Areas of work | Property plus other areas of law, such as wills, probate, family and immigration | Property and land law |
| Professional indemnity insurance | Required | Required |
| Professional codes of conduct | Must follow | Must follow |
| Can handle a house purchase or sale | Yes | Yes |
| Where they practise | England and Wales | England and Wales |
Both types of professional follow largely the same conveyancing process, from contract review and searches through to completion and registration. For the stages involved, see our residential conveyancing page.
Which Do You Need: a Conveyancer or a Solicitor?
There is no single right answer, because both are qualified and regulated. These points can help you decide.
When a Solicitor May Suit You
- Your transaction is complex, such as leasehold, new build, shared ownership, auction, Right to Buy, a transfer of equity or an Islamic mortgage
- You may need wider legal help alongside the move, for example a Will, probate or other private client advice
- You want one firm that can support both your property and your personal legal needs
- Your purchase involves related finance, such as bridging finance or secured lending
When a Licensed Conveyancer May Suit You
- Your transaction is straightforward and you want a property specialist
- You are comfortable that your property needs are the only legal matter involved
- A firm you trust and who is on your lender’s panel offers a clear quote
Whichever you choose, what matters most is regulation, experience with your type of property, clear communication and a written quote.
Do I Need a Solicitor to Buy a House?
Our advice is yes, you should use a regulated professional. In England and Wales you can choose between a solicitor and a licensed conveyancer. Doing your own conveyancing is generally possible, but it carries real risks, and if you have a mortgage your lender will usually require a qualified solicitor or licensed conveyancer, often one on its approved panel. If you are using a Lifetime ISA, the purchase must go through a solicitor or conveyancer.
Is a Conveyancer Cheaper Than a Solicitor?
Not necessarily. Fees depend on the firm, the property value, whether the property is freehold or leasehold and how complex the transaction is, so compare written quotes like for like. A lower fee can come with extra charges, so check what is included. Our published legal fees start from £1,305 plus VAT for a sale or purchase up to £499,999, and may vary depending on the property value, transaction type, title complexity, lender requirements, leasehold documents and any additional legal work required.
Lender Panels and Your Mortgage
If you are buying with a mortgage, your lender will usually only deal with solicitors or licensed conveyancers on its approved panel. Ask any firm you are considering whether they can act for your lender before you instruct them.
How to Check Your Solicitor or Conveyancer Is Regulated
Both regulators keep a public register. Check a solicitor or firm on the SRA register and a licensed conveyancer on the CLC register before you instruct them. You can verify our firm using SRA number 8004119.
Questions to Ask Before You Instruct
- Are you regulated, and by whom?
- Are you on my lender’s panel?
- Who will handle my case, and how will you keep me updated?
- What is your fee, does it include VAT and which disbursements are included?
- Have you handled my type of transaction before?
- What happens to the fee if the transaction does not proceed?
Why Clients Choose a Solicitor-Led Conveyancing Team
As a solicitor-led firm, we can support your move and your wider legal needs in one place. Our team handles residential conveyancing and commercial conveyancing, and our private client solicitors advise on wills and probate. Each conveyancing matter has a dedicated fee earner, and you can meet the people involved on our team page.
We act for clients across Northwood Hills, Northwood, Pinner, Ruislip, Eastcote, Harrow and Watford.
This article is general information, not legal advice. Regulatory details and fees can change, so check current information before you decide.
Talk to Our Conveyancing Team
If you are unsure who to instruct, call us on 020 8152 8737 or contact Ally Randall Solicitors. We will explain how we can help with your transaction.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between a conveyancer and a solicitor?
Solicitors are regulated by the Solicitors Regulation Authority and can advise on many areas of law, while licensed conveyancers are regulated by the Council for Licensed Conveyancers and specialise in property law. Both can handle a house purchase or sale in England and Wales.
Do I need a solicitor or can I use a licensed conveyancer?
You can use either. In England and Wales a solicitor or a licensed conveyancer can carry out the legal work for your purchase or sale, including dealing with your mortgage lender and transferring the title.
Do I need a solicitor to buy a house?
You should use a regulated solicitor or licensed conveyancer. Doing your own conveyancing is generally possible, but it carries risks, and a mortgage lender will usually require a qualified professional, often one on its approved panel.
Is a conveyancer cheaper than a solicitor?
Not necessarily. Fees vary by firm, property value and complexity, so compare written quotes like for like and check what is included.
Are licensed conveyancers regulated?
Yes. Licensed conveyancers are regulated by the Council for Licensed Conveyancers, and they must hold professional indemnity insurance and follow professional codes of conduct.
How can I check my solicitor or conveyancer is regulated?
Solicitors and their firms can be checked on the Solicitors Regulation Authority register, and licensed conveyancers on the Council for Licensed Conveyancers register. Ally Randall Solicitors is authorised and regulated by the Solicitors Regulation Authority, number 8004119.