How do you decide on a solicitor when buying a property?

How do you decide on a solicitor when buying a property? There are so many to choose from across Ireland, and it can be hard to know where to start. If you’re looking for a conveyancing solicitor, here are some things to consider – they might just help you make a decision.

7 things to consider when choosing a conveyancing solicitor

Here are seven things to consider when choosing a conveyancing solicitor:

1. Are they based in Ireland?

   Ireland has different laws to Northern Ireland and the United Kingdom. So, if you’re buying a property in Ireland, you need a conveyancing solicitor in Ireland.You don’t have to choose a solicitor in the city or town closest to your property purchase. There’s almost no need to visit your conveyancer in person these days. Everything can be done over the phone and by email. Even so, you might prefer to have someone with local knowledge. A local solicitor might be aware of future developments or other issues that could impact your transaction. Ultimately, it comes down to what you think is important.

2. Do they come recommended?

   If your friend, relative or colleague has had a good experience with a particular solicitor or firm, then chances are you will too. The same goes for bad experiences, of course! So, if you’re looking for a conveyancing solicitor, ask around and see if anyone has any recommendations. A lot of our conveyancing clients hear about us via word of mouth. As we always say, there is no greater compliment than a recommendation.
   Testimonials are another great resource when choosing a conveyancing solicitor. Look at a solicitor’s or firm’s reviews and see what other people have to say about them.

3. Are they experienced?

   There’s been a huge upsurge of businesses providing conveyancing services in recent years, a lot of them online. But you need to be careful of these offerings. Not all of them are run by experienced legal advisers. This might be fine if your property transaction is very straightforward, but not if you run into any complications or anything ‘out of the ordinary’. It almost always pays to choose a law firm with experienced conveyancers who are able to deal with all areas of property law.

4. What are their fees?

   Buying a property is expensive, and you don’t want to spend more on your conveyancing fees than you have to. However, cheaper isn’t always better. What is important is to ask for a fee structure while making your initial enquiries. If a property solicitor is transparent with their costs, then at least you know what to expect.

5. Are you being influenced by interested third parties?

   When you buy a property in Ireland, you have the freedom to choose your own conveyancing solicitor. Your mortgage lender or estate agent might refer you to a particular law firm. This is because they have an agreement with that organisation. But it’s not necessarily in your best interests. Remember, you can choose whoever you like to be your conveyancing solicitor. You do not have to go with the choice of other interested third parties.

6. Are they registered with the Law Society of Ireland?

   Use the Find a Firm search on the Law Society of Ireland’s website to check a firm’s credentials. Only businesses that employ solicitors with a current practising certificate are listed on there. This gives you peace of mind that the firm is legitimate.

7. Do you like them?

   Last but not least, it helps if you actually like your conveyancer! You have to communicate with them a lot over the course of the transaction. Of course, you won’t know what your working relationship is like until the process begins. But you can get a good idea when you contact a conveyancer or law firm for an initial enquiry. If you get on well, and you are happy with the way they communicate with you, then it’s a positive sign.

Property solicitors Waterford

If you’re buying a property in Ireland and are looking for a conveyancer, contact us at Mullins & Treacy LLP Solicitors. We’re based in Waterford, Kilkenny and Tipperary, but we act for clients across the country, and those buying property from abroad. We are client focused and results driven.

Call us on 051 391 488 or email reception@mullinstreacy.ie for a no obligation enquiry.

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