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When it comes to buying or selling property, choosing the right team to handle your conveyancing is the difference between a stressful or seamless experience.
Thank you for reading this post, don't forget to subscribe!With legal documents to process, contracts to review, and funds to transfer, you want to be sure the person guiding you through the transaction is experienced and working in your best interests.
One of the most common questions clients ask us at Wayman & Long is: What’s the difference between a conveyancing solicitor and a licensed conveyancer, and which one should I choose?
In this blog, we break down the key distinctions between the two, explore their qualifications and expertise, and explain why, for many people, working with a conveyancing solicitor is the preferred choice.
At first glance, the terms ‘conveyancer’ and ‘conveyancing solicitor’ may seem one and the same. After all, both professions deal with the legal process of transferring property from one party to another. But whilst they can handle similar tasks, there are some important differences.
A conveyancing solicitor is a qualified solicitor who specialises in property law and has completed a law degree and additional legal training. Solicitors are regulated by the Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA), and their scope of practice extends beyond conveyancing to include other areas of law such as probate, wills, family law, and representation in court.
A licensed conveyancer, on the other hand, is a property law specialist regulated by the Council for Licensed Conveyancers (CLC). They are trained specifically in conveyancing work and do not typically deal with broader legal matters outside of property transactions.
Both are legally authorised to carry out the conveyancing process, but their training and legal knowledge differ significantly.
A conveyancing solicitor carries out all the legal work required in a property transaction, including:
At Wayman & Long, our conveyancing solicitors also provide integrated advice on matters that might arise alongside a property transaction, such as:
Whilst both professionals can manage standard property transactions, there are situations where choosing a conveyancing solicitor provides an added layer of protection.
If you’re buying or selling as part of a long property chain, legal complications often arise such as delays or non-disclosure. A solicitor can step in with broader legal advice to help resolve problems that may go beyond property law.
Selling a property as part of an estate requires knowledge of both property law and probate law. A solicitor is qualified to handle both, avoiding the need to work with multiple professionals; thus also potentially saving on costs.
In divorce or separation cases, transferring property ownership is rarely just a matter of paperwork. A solicitor who understands both family and property law can manage the legal side and protect your interests.
Leasehold properties and shared ownership schemes come with a host of legal conditions, from service charges and ground rents, to lease renewals. These often require negotiation and legal interpretation that goes beyond a basic property transfer.
Should a disagreement arise during the transaction, whether it’s over access rights/unclear land boundaries, a solicitor can provide advice, send formal legal notices, or even initiate civil litigation if needed.
Whilst online-only firms may advertise speed and low fees, they often lack the personalised support of a traditional solicitor. At Wayman & Long, we proudly offer the personal touch that comes with a local service, including:
Even for seemingly ‘straightforward’ transactions, unexpected issues can surface. Having a conveyancing solicitor already on hand means you’re not scrambling to find additional legal help when things get complicated. You’ll already have someone familiar with your case who can offer practical solutions quickly.
For example:
Whilst solicitor fees can sometimes be slightly higher than those of a conveyancer, you’re paying for access to a broader range of services should they be needed.
At Wayman & Long, we believe in clear communication from the outset and offer transparent pricing with no hidden fees, along with ongoing updates throughout the process. For us, it’s about providing real value, not just speed.
So, is it better to use a conveyancing solicitor or a licensed conveyancer?
If your property transaction is entirely straightforward, and you’re confident that no additional legal issues will arise, a licensed conveyancer may be suitable. However, if you want the security of knowing that your legal representative can handle any anomalies that come your way, or if your situation involves anything more than a basic transaction, then a conveyancing solicitor is the better choice.
At Wayman & Long, we’re here to guide you from offer to completion, and beyond, with clear, trustworthy legal advice every step of the way.
Get in touch and let us help make your move as smooth and stress-free as possible. You can call us on 01787 277375, email us at enquiries@waymanandlong.co.uk or fill out our online contact form and one of our team members will get back to you ASAP.
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