The term conveyancing refers to all of the legal and administrative work associated with transferring the ownership of land or buildings from one person to another. The conveyancing process starts after an offer for a property has been made and accepted and solicitor details have been exchanged by the two parties.
You should employ the services of a solicitor or conveyancer as early as possible in the home-buying process. One of the best ways of choosing someone is through personal recommendation, so ask family, friends and colleagues. You could consult the Law Society’s regional directory (available on their website) or if you have already used a solicitor for other business, you could ask them to introduce you to the conveyancing specialist in their firm.
Prices will vary but as with most things, cheaper does not necessarily mean better. Likewise, the most expensive do not necessarily provide the best service. You should look for the solicitor who doesn’t seem to be overworked, inexperienced and that you feel most comfortable with. Equally, you don't want one who is very slow or too pedantic as this could hold up the process.
Usually the same solicitor cannot act for both the buyer and seller of a property but in certain circumstances two solicitors within the same firm may do so subject to complying with the Law Society’s rules and this could speed up the process.
It is possible to do it yourself although in the majority of circumstances it’s inadvisable, as this is a complex and crucial aspect of purchasing a property and requires knowledge of both property and the law. If not carried out properly, you may find yourself involved in a costly legal dispute.