Best Conveyancing Solicitors in Dundee

How do I choose a good conveyancing solicitor in Dundee?

When you compare conveyancing quotes, look for a property solicitor with strong credentials, positive client feedback, and experience specifically within the Dundee property market. Dundee has a mix of traditional tenement flats, new-build developments, and properties in conservation areas, so choosing a solicitor familiar with local planning regulations, title conditions, and common conveyancing issues in Dundee can be highly beneficial.

It’s important to ensure your solicitor is transparent about their conveyancing fees and the services included. Some Dundee firms may offer fixed-fee packages which can make costs more predictable, but always check for any potential hidden extras.

Make sure the conveyancers you are considering are fully accredited by the Law Society of Scotland.

You can contact them through their website, phone, or by visiting their office. Many will offer an initial consultation to discuss your conveyancing needs, especially useful if you're relocating to or from Dundee.

It’s also advantageous to choose a conveyancing solicitor who is already on the panel of approved firms for your chosen mortgage lender, as this can speed up the process. You can confirm this with your lender directly or check their website.

While it’s not essential to use a solicitor based in Dundee, since much of the process can be completed remotely, a local solicitor can provide insights into issues like local development plans, school catchment areas, and historic property conditions, all of which can affect your decision and timeline.

You should engage a conveyancer as soon as you start looking for a property, as they will be responsible for submitting your offer and/or marketing your property.

How do Dundee property solicitors work?

A conveyancing solicitor in Dundee acts on your behalf to manage the legal and administrative processes involved in transferring property ownership. Whether you’re buying, selling, or doing both, their role is to ensure that ownership of the property is transferred smoothly, legally, and with full compliance with Scottish property law, which differs from the legal process in England and Wales.

Your conveyancing solicitor will conduct conveyancing searches relevant to the Dundee area. These help identify potential issues such as planning permissions, conservation areas (common in parts of Broughty Ferry and the West End), or flood risks near the River Tay. They will prepare or review the Missives (the Scottish equivalent of the contract of sale) and advise you on Scottish property law and regulations, which can differ from England and Wales, particularly with the use of the Home Report system and the missives process in property sales.

According to reallymoving data, the average cost of conveyancing fees is around £2,368, including fees and disbursements. For a First Time Buyer, the average cost is £1,478.

Your money is protected when you use a conveyancer. All solicitors must hold client funds in separate, regulated accounts, as governed by the Law Society of Scotland, which imposes strict professional standards and oversight, offering security and peace of mind.

It is possible to do your own conveyancing, if you are a cash buyer, however it is highly recommended to use a professional solicitor. Scottish property transactions are legally binding at an earlier stage, and conveyancing errors can lead to costly delays or legal disputes. Hiring a solicitor experienced in Dundee’s property market ensures you’re fully protected and that nothing critical is overlooked.

What questions should I ask my solicitor?

Start by enquiring about their experience in the Dundee property market. Even if the solicitor isn’t based locally, they should still demonstrate strong knowledge of the Dundee housing landscape. This includes awareness of local planning issues, the types of property common to areas like City Quay, the West End, or Broughty Ferry, and any quirks in local title conditions or building regulations.

Ask for a full breakdown of their quote, including legal fees, disbursements (like search fees and registration costs), and any taxes such as Land and Buildings Transaction Tax (LBTT) 

Ask about the timeline for how long the conveyancing process will take, and how they plan to communicate updates to you. Typically, conveyancing in Dundee takes 4-6 weeks, and your conveyancer will need your input to fill out forms and provide documents throughout the process. They should be available to contact whenever you need to ask questions or request updates.

You may want to see if they offer no sale, no fee agreements, in case the purchase falls through. However, as it is harder for purchases to fall through in Scotland, due to gazumping being illegal, this may not be as essential.

Make sure they are part of a regulated professional body (Law Society of Scotland, Solicitors Regulation Authority or Council for Licensed Conveyancers) and are approved on your chosen mortgage lender’s conveyancing panel. All conveyancers listed through reallymoving are regulated and meet professional standards, providing you with an extra layer of security when navigating your property transaction in Dundee.

Is it better to use a solicitor or conveyancer in Dundee?

You can use both conveyancing solicitors and conveyancers to carry out your conveyancing in Dundee. While both professionals are qualified to carry out your transaction, understanding their differences can help you decide who is best suited to your needs.

Conveyancing solicitors will have been trained in a variety of legal fields, ranging from family law through to litigation or criminal law. They have then chosen to specialise in property law. This broad background can be useful if your move in Dundee involves additional legal considerations, such as disputes or inheritance matters.

Licensed Conveyancers are specialists who have specifically been trained in property law, and this is their sole focus, meaning they offer a streamlined and efficient service.

Conveyancing solicitors practising in the Dundee market must be registered with the Law Society of Scotland or by the Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA) if they also operate in England and Wales, whereas Licensed Conveyancers are regulated by the Council for Licensed Conveyancers (CLC).

All these regulatory bodies will have a public register where you can search for an individual or a firm to check if they are regulated. All property solicitors and conveyancers quoted by reallymoving are regulated by one of these bodies. 

Your decision about whether to use a solicitor or conveyancer may come down to whether you prefer to have someone with expertise in other legal fields you may need help with, or someone trained specifically in property law. However, the most important consideration should be what each firm offers that best supports your move to or within Dundee. Look for factors such as local market experience, competitive pricing, and communication style, especially as Dundee’s property market includes a mix of historic buildings, waterfront flats, and suburban family homes, each with their own legal nuances.