When to Instruct a Solicitor When Buying a House

Buying a house involves many moving parts, from securing a mortgage to arranging surveys and negotiating offers. One of the most important decisions you will make early in the process is when to instruct a solicitor or conveyancer. Acting at the right time ensures your purchase progresses smoothly, avoids unnecessary delays and gives you the legal support you need to protect your interests.

This guide explains exactly when you should instruct a solicitor when buying a house in the UK, what they do, and why timing matters.

What does a solicitor do when you buy a house?

A solicitor or licensed conveyancer is responsible for handling the legal side of the property purchase. This includes reviewing the contract, carrying out searches, checking title documents, raising legal enquiries with the seller’s solicitor and arranging the transfer of funds on completion. They also ensure that you become the legal owner of the property and that there are no legal issues that could affect your rights.

Your solicitor acts on your behalf and, if you are using a mortgage, also represents the lender’s legal interests. Their role is essential from start to finish.

When should you instruct a solicitor?

The best time to instruct a solicitor is as soon as your offer has been accepted. Once the seller agrees to sell the property to you, the estate agent will usually ask for your solicitor’s details so that the legal process can begin. Having a solicitor already lined up at this stage avoids delays and allows your purchase to progress without interruption.

Some buyers choose to contact and select a solicitor before making an offer. This can help speed things up once the offer is accepted and shows the seller you are serious and prepared. You do not need to pay legal fees upfront, but early contact gives you time to compare quotes, check reviews and understand the firm’s service.

What happens after you instruct a solicitor?

Once instructed, your solicitor will open a file, carry out identity checks and send you client care paperwork to sign. You will need to provide proof of address, ID and source of funds. After receiving the memorandum of sale from the estate agent, your solicitor contacts the seller’s solicitor to request the draft contract pack and begin the legal checks.

Your solicitor will also guide you on whether to order a survey, explain the local authority and environmental searches and request the mortgage offer from your lender if applicable. Their job is to coordinate everything so that exchange and completion can happen as efficiently and safely as possible.

Do you need a solicitor before viewing or offering?

You do not need a solicitor in place before viewing properties or making initial offers. However, if you are actively house-hunting and serious about buying, it is a good idea to research local or online solicitors in advance. This way, once your offer is accepted, you can move quickly and provide your chosen solicitor’s details straight away.

Some estate agents and new-build developers may try to pressure you to use a preferred solicitor, but you are under no obligation to do so. You have the right to choose your own legal representative and should ensure they are experienced, regulated and transparent with their fees.

Why does timing matter?

Delays in instructing a solicitor can cause a chain to stall or even fall through. Sellers and agents expect buyers to be ready to proceed once an offer is accepted. The faster your solicitor can start reviewing documents and raising enquiries, the sooner you can exchange contracts and move toward completion.

Early instruction also gives your solicitor more time to identify and resolve any legal issues with the property, which can prevent complications later on.

What should you check before instructing a solicitor?

Make sure your chosen solicitor is regulated by either the Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA) or the Council for Licensed Conveyancers (CLC). Ask for a clear breakdown of their fees, including any disbursements such as searches, bank transfer fees and Stamp Duty submissions. Also check how they communicate and how long they typically take to complete a transaction.

If you are in a chain, your solicitor will liaise with other parties in the chain to coordinate timelines, so choosing a responsive firm is important.

Conclusion

You should instruct a solicitor as soon as your offer is accepted on a property. Doing so early ensures the legal process begins promptly and helps keep your purchase on track. While it is not necessary to have a solicitor before making an offer, being prepared with one in mind allows you to act fast and gives you the confidence that a qualified professional is protecting your interests from the start. Choosing the right solicitor at the right time is one of the best ways to reduce stress and increase the chances of a successful, timely completion.