Best Conveyancing Solicitors in West Sussex

How do I choose a good conveyancing solicitor in West Sussex?

When you compare conveyancing quotes, look for a property solicitor with strong credentials, positive client feedback, and experience within the West Sussex property market. West Sussex includes a variety of property types, from coastal homes in Bognor Regis and Worthing to countryside cottages in the South Downs, so it’s beneficial to work with a solicitor who understands the nuances of the local area.

It is important to look for transparency regarding their conveyancing fees and services, especially in popular areas such as Chichester, Horsham, and Crawley, where property transactions can be more complex due to higher demand.

Make sure the conveyancers you are considering are fully accredited, either by the CLC or SRA.

You can contact them through their website, phone, or visit their office. Many conveyancing solicitors in West Sussex, particularly those based in regional hubs like Worthing and Haywards Heath, offer an initial consultation to discuss your conveyancing needs and outline their services.

It’s also helpful to select a conveyancing solicitor who is already on the panel of approved firms set by your chosen mortgage lender, as this will help things go quicker. You can check your lender’s website or ask them directly to find out if your conveyancer is on their panel.

While it’s not essential to use a solicitor based in West Sussex, as many aspects of conveyancing can be handled remotely, a local solicitor may provide additional insights into the West Sussex property market. They may have better knowledge of local planning regulations, potential flood zones (such as areas near the River Arun), and experience with regional authorities like West Sussex County Council, all of which can be advantageous during your property transaction.

You should engage a conveyancer as you start looking for a property or before you list one for sale, to ensure all legal aspects are promptly addressed.

How do West Sussex property solicitors work?

It is a conveyancer’s job to act on your behalf, managing the legal aspects of property transactions and administrative work associated with transferring the ownership of a property from one person to another. Their tasks will vary depending on whether you are buying, selling or both.

Your conveyancing solicitor will conduct conveyancing searches, handle contracts, and advise on the property laws of your West Sussex council (e.g. Horsham District Council, Adur District Council, Worthing Borough Council) to facilitate a smooth transfer of ownership. This local knowledge is especially valuable in areas such as the South Downs National Park, where planning constraints may impact property use or development, or in flood-prone areas like parts of Shoreham-by-Sea and Littlehampton.

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. Local rates in West Sussex may vary depending on the location and complexity of the property transaction, particularly in high-demand towns like Chichester, Horsham, or Burgess Hill.

Your money is protected when you use a conveyancer. Conveyancing solicitors must hold client funds in separate accounts, ensuring security and compliance with regulatory standards.

It is possible to do your own conveyancing, if you are a cash buyer, however it is advisable to always use a conveyancing solicitor. Conveyancers bring vital expertise in legal documentation, contract law, and local authority searches, which are essential for identifying any issues that could delay or derail the purchase. In West Sussex, where heritage properties, coastal developments, and conservation areas are common, expert guidance is especially critical.

What questions should I ask my conveyancer?

Start by enquiring about their experience in the West Sussex property market. Even if they are not based locally, they should demonstrate a solid understanding of the region, from coastal transactions in Worthing or Littlehampton, to rural properties in the South Downs, or suburban developments in Crawley or Horsham. Local expertise can make a significant difference, especially when dealing with regional planning regulations or common issues such as flood risk zones or conservation area restrictions.

Ask them about how much their fees will be and what they include, such as disbursements, expenses and Stamp Duty. Given the variety of property types across West Sussex, from listed buildings to new-build estates, ensure you understand if any additional fees might apply.

Ask about the timeline for how long the conveyancing process will take, and how they plan to communicate updates to you. Typically, conveyancing takes 8-12 weeks, and your conveyancer will need your input to fill out forms and provide documents throughout the process. With multiple local authorities in West Sussex (e.g., Arun, Chichester, and Mid Sussex councils), timelines can vary, so communication is key, 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. This means you will not have to pay the conveyancing fees if the purchase falls through, but you may still have to cover the cost of disbursements.

Make sure they are part of a regulated professional body and are approved on your chosen mortgage lender’s conveyancing panel. All conveyancers/ conveyancing solicitors on reallymoving are regulated by the SRA or CLC.

Is it better to use a solicitor or conveyancer in West Sussex?

You can use both conveyancing solicitors and conveyancers to carry out your conveyancing in West Sussex. There are differences between the two, but both will perform your property sale or purchase in the same way, so who you decide to use is up to you.

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 can be useful if you anticipate needing broader legal services alongside your property transaction.

Licensed Conveyancers are specialists who have specifically been trained in property law and this is their sole focus. This sole focus often translates to in-depth knowledge of conveyancing processes, which may be beneficial when navigating the diverse property types found across West Sussex, from listed cottages in Arundel, to new builds in Haywards Heath, or seafront flats in Bognor Regis.

Conveyancing solicitors practising in the West Sussex market must be registered with the Law Society and are regulated by the Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA), whereas Licensed Conveyancers are regulated by the Council for Licensed Conveyancers (CLC).

Both 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, giving you peace of mind regarding their qualifications and compliance with legal standards.

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. But you should ultimately choose a firm that best suits the specifics of your West Sussex move, especially if you’re dealing with local considerations such as flood risks, conservation zones, or regional planning restrictions common in areas like Chichester or the South Downs.