Can You Change Solicitors Halfway Through Buying a House

Yes, you can change solicitors halfway through buying a house in the UK. You are legally entitled to switch conveyancers at any point before the exchange of contracts, and in some circumstances even afterwards, although this becomes more complex. However, while the decision is yours, changing solicitors during the conveyancing process can cause delays, repeat work and additional costs if not handled carefully.

There are various reasons why buyers or sellers decide to switch. These include slow communication, poor service, lack of expertise in specific issues, or a breakdown in trust. If your current solicitor is not meeting expectations or you feel the sale is at risk due to inaction, making a change can be beneficial, as long as you understand the practical and legal implications.

Why Would You Change Solicitors Midway?

The most common reason buyers or sellers change solicitors is frustration over delays or lack of communication. If your solicitor is unresponsive, misses key deadlines or fails to explain legal issues clearly, you may lose confidence in their ability to manage such an important transaction.

Other reasons include discovering the firm lacks experience with your particular situation, such as leasehold properties, shared ownership or new builds. Some people also switch if their solicitor is located far away and does not offer digital communication or online portals.

Sometimes, a solicitor may unexpectedly leave the firm or go on long-term leave, forcing clients to work with someone new or seek help elsewhere. In rare cases, conflicts of interest or personal disputes can also prompt a change.

When Can You Change Solicitors During the Process?

You can change solicitors at any point before the exchange of contracts. This is the safest time to switch because nothing is legally binding until both parties have signed and exchanged the contract.

If you want to change solicitors after the exchange but before completion, it becomes more complicated. The new solicitor must be able to act quickly to meet completion deadlines, and any delay could result in financial penalties or even breach of contract.

Changing solicitors after completion is only relevant if there are post-sale matters to resolve, such as land registration or disputes over retained funds. At this stage, the sale has already gone through, so there is more flexibility.

How to Change Solicitors Smoothly

If you decide to change solicitors, you will first need to instruct a new conveyancer and formally notify your current one that you wish to terminate their services. This is usually done in writing. Your new solicitor will then contact the previous firm to request the case file, documents, and any work completed so far.

Most solicitors will not transfer the file until their bill for work done to date has been settled. This means you may need to pay them even if you are unhappy with their service. Check your terms of engagement to see what charges may apply and whether you agreed to any fixed fees.

Your new solicitor will need time to review the case file and may need to redo some of the legal checks to ensure nothing has been missed. This could cause delays of a week or more, especially if searches, enquiries or title investigations need to be repeated.

Will It Cost More to Change Solicitors?

Yes, there are usually additional costs involved. You will likely have to pay your original solicitor for work completed up to the point you leave. This could include time spent reviewing documents, raising enquiries or applying for searches.

Your new solicitor may also charge a setup fee or higher rates if they are taking on a partially completed case. Overall, switching can be more expensive, particularly if you are on a tight budget or working to a fixed completion date.

However, if the service from your original solicitor is causing major delays or jeopardising the purchase, the cost of switching may be worth it to secure the transaction.

What Are the Risks of Changing Solicitors Midway?

The main risk is delay. If your new solicitor needs time to catch up or redo certain checks, it can push back your exchange and completion timeline. This can be a problem if you are part of a chain or need to move by a specific date.

Another risk is duplication of work. If your new solicitor does not trust the work already done or finds gaps in the file, they may need to start again with some elements of the process, which adds time and cost.

You may also face administrative delays in transferring funds, documents or identities between firms, particularly if the outgoing solicitor is uncooperative or slow to respond.

Conclusion

You can change solicitors halfway through buying a house, and in many cases it is the right decision if your current firm is not meeting expectations. However, it is important to weigh the risks, especially potential delays and extra costs. Choose your new solicitor carefully, ensure clear communication, and understand the financial implications before making the switch. With careful planning, you can still complete your purchase smoothly even after changing legal representation.