Best Conveyancing Solicitors in Wigan

How do I choose a good conveyancing solicitor in Wigan?

When you compare conveyancing quotes,look for a property solicitor with strong credentials, positive client feedback, and experience within the Wigan property market. A local understanding can be particularly beneficial in Wigan, where some areas have a mix of older terraced homes and newer developments, each with their own legal considerations. Familiarity with the local council procedures and land registry specifics can also help avoid unnecessary delays.

It is important to ensure transparency in their conveyancing fees and services. Reputable solicitors will offer clear breakdowns of their costs, including disbursements, so there are no surprises later.

Make sure the conveyancers you are considering are fully accredited, either by the Council for Licensed Conveyancers (CLC) or the Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA).

You can contact them through their website, phone, or by visiting their office. Many will offer an initial consultation to discuss your conveyancing needs.

It’s also helpful to select a conveyancing solicitor who is already on the panel of approved firms set by your chosen mortgage lender. This ensures that your mortgage application and legal work can proceed smoothly. 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 Wigan, as many aspects of conveyancing can be handled remotely, a local conveyancer may offer additional insights. They may have existing relationships with local estate agents, surveyors, and even knowledge of potential issues in certain neighbourhoods, such as unadopted roads or common leasehold arrangements in the area.

It’s best to engage a conveyancing solicitor as soon as you begin house hunting in Wigan, or before listing your property for sale. Early instruction ensures that all legal requirements are addressed promptly, reducing the risk of delays once you’ve accepted or made an offer.

How do Wigan solicitors work?

Conveyancing solicitors in Wigan are responsible for managing the legal and administrative aspects of transferring property ownership. Whether you're buying, selling, or doing both, their role is to act on your behalf and ensure all aspects of the property transaction comply with legal standards.

Your conveyancing solicitor will conduct conveyancing searches through Wigan Council and local authorities to uncover planning issues, environmental risks, or restrictions, handle contracts, and advise you on any legal considerations specific to Wigan’s property market, such as shared ownership schemes, leaseholds, or properties located near mining areas, an important factor in parts of Greater Manchester due to historical coal mining activity.

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. While prices in Wigan may sometimes be slightly lower than the national average, particularly due to lower property values compared to southern regions, it's important to request an itemised quote to see what’s included.

When you work with a Wigan-based conveyancer, your money is protected. All licensed conveyancing solicitors must hold client funds in segregated accounts, ensuring that your deposit and payments are safeguarded and that the solicitor complies with regulatory standards from bodies such as the SRA or CLC.

It is possible to do your own conveyancing, if you are a cash buyer, but it’s not advisable, especially if you’re unfamiliar with local legal quirks or planning regulations. An experienced Wigan conveyancing solicitor will have the expertise to anticipate potential issues and prevent delays, giving you peace of mind that your transaction is legally sound.

What questions should I ask my property solicitor?

Start by enquiring about their experience in the Wigan property market. Even if they are not based in the area, they should be familiar with local issues that may affect the property, such as historical mining activity or regeneration zones in places like Leigh, Ince, or Worsley Mesnes.

Ask them about how much their fees will be and what they include, such as disbursements (e.g. local authority searches through Wigan Council), expenses and Stamp Duty. A good solicitor will provide a transparent breakdown so you can budget accordingly.

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. 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 that if your property purchase in Wigan falls through, you won’t pay the legal fees, but you may still be responsible for disbursements already incurred. This is especially useful in a competitive market where transactions may not always complete.

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 Wigan?

You can use both conveyancing solicitors and conveyancers to carry out your conveyancing in Wigan. While there are differences in training and background, both are qualified to manage your conveyancing and will handle your property sale or purchase effectively.

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. If you anticipate needing broader legal support alongside your move in Wigan, a solicitor may be a good option.

Licensed Conveyancers are specialists who have specifically been trained in property law. Their training is entirely focused on the legalities of buying and selling property, which makes them highly efficient and knowledgeable about conveyancing alone.

Conveyancing solicitors practising in the Wigan 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 the SRA and CLC provide public registers, so you can verify whether a firm or individual is authorised to practise. All conveyancers featured on reallymoving are regulated by one of these bodies, giving you peace of mind regardless of whom you choose.

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. Ultimately, your decision may come down to whether you prefer a property law specialist or someone with broader legal expertise. Either way, ensure they offer services that align with your priorities for your move to or within Wigan.