Can I Change Conveyancer

Yes, in many cases you can change conveyancer during a property transaction, whether you are buying, selling, remortgaging or transferring equity. People often consider switching because of poor communication, delays, unexpected fees, or simply because they no longer feel confident in the service they are receiving. While changing conveyancer is possible, it should be done carefully because it can affect timing, cost and progress on the matter.

If you are dealing with a residential property matter, it is sensible to understand your options before making a decision. A conveyancing team such as RFB Legal can explain what is involved, assess the stage of your transaction, and help you decide whether switching is in your best interests.

Can I change conveyancer after instructing one?

In most residential property transactions, yes, you can change your conveyancer after you have already instructed one. There is no general rule saying you must stay with the original firm. However, if work has already started, you may need to pay for the time and costs incurred up to that point.

The practical answer depends on where your transaction has reached. If the matter is still at an early stage, a switch may be relatively straightforward. If contracts are close to exchange, mortgage papers are being dealt with, or searches and enquiries are already underway, changing firm may cause more delay.

It is also important to check whether you have signed any client care paperwork that explains notice periods, disbursements, or file transfer arrangements. These documents will usually set out how fees are handled if you decide to move elsewhere.

Why do people change conveyancer?

Clients change conveyancer for a range of reasons, and many of them are entirely understandable. Common reasons include:

• Slow progress on a sale or purchase
• Poor communication or difficulty getting updates
• Unexpected legal fees or unclear billing
• A feeling that the matter is not being handled with enough care
• A recommendation from a mortgage lender, estate agent, or another adviser
• A change in personal circumstances, such as moving home plans or financing arrangements

For example, a buyer may start with a high-volume conveyancing firm but later find they cannot get a direct response from the person handling their file. A seller may decide to move to a different residential property solicitor if their current firm is not keeping pace with the chain. In these situations, changing conveyancer can help restore confidence and momentum.

Will changing conveyancer delay my transaction?

It can, but not always by much. The amount of delay depends on how much work has already been done and how quickly the new firm can obtain the file from the old one. If papers, searches, mortgage information and correspondence need to be reviewed from the beginning, some duplication is unavoidable.

That said, a well-organised new conveyancer may be able to pick up the matter efficiently and minimise disruption. In some cases, switching can actually save time if the original firm has become a bottleneck or is not progressing the transaction properly.

If you are part of a chain, speed matters. A delayed purchase or sale can affect other linked transactions, so it is sensible to seek advice before making the switch. A solicitor experienced in residential conveyancing can help you weigh the risks against the benefits.

How does the process of changing conveyancer work?

The process is usually straightforward, but it should be handled carefully. In general, the steps are as follows:

• Choose your new conveyancer and ask them to review the matter
• Check your current firm’s terms for fees, notice, and file transfer arrangements
• Inform the original conveyancer that you wish to terminate the instruction
• Ask for your file, papers, and any relevant search results or correspondence to be transferred to the new firm
• Settle any outstanding costs for work already carried out
• Allow the new conveyancer to review the file and continue the transaction

In many cases, the new solicitor will contact the old firm directly to request the file. If there is a mortgage lender involved, the lender will usually also need to be informed so their records are updated.

If the matter involves a leasehold property, remortgage, lease extension or transfer of equity, additional documents may be needed. Your new conveyancer should confirm exactly what is required based on your circumstances.

What costs might I have to pay if I switch?

You may have to pay for work already completed by your original conveyancer. This is often based on the time spent or on the terms of the retainer you signed at the start. Some firms also charge an administration fee for closing the file or sending papers to a new solicitor.

Other potential costs can include:

• Disbursements already paid out, such as search fees
• Any outstanding legal fees from the original firm
• Duplicate costs if searches or ID checks need to be repeated
• New fees charged by the replacement conveyancer

It is sensible to ask for a clear breakdown before making the move. A good conveyancer should explain what can be reused, what must be repeated, and what the likely overall cost will be.

Are there risks in changing conveyancer?

Yes. The main risks are delay, extra cost and the possibility of missing important deadlines. If the matter is already at an advanced stage, changing firms may interrupt communication with the other side, your lender, estate agents, or managing agents.

There can also be a risk of confusion if files are not transferred promptly or if key information is not passed across. For example, if a seller is waiting for exchange and the buyer changes solicitor at short notice, the process may slow down while the new lawyer checks title documents and outstanding enquiries.

To reduce these risks, choose a new conveyancer with experience in the relevant type of transaction and make sure they are ready to act immediately. It is also helpful to keep all documents, emails and reference numbers organised.

How can a conveyancer or residential property solicitor help?

A conveyancer or residential property solicitor can assess whether changing firm is practical, explain the likely impact on timing and cost, and take over the matter efficiently if you decide to proceed. At RFB Legal, our residential property team supports clients across England and Wales with clear, practical advice tailored to the transaction.

We regularly assist with property purchases and sales, remortgages, transfers of equity, buy-to-let matters, leasehold transactions, lease extensions and enfranchisement issues. If you are unhappy with your current conveyancer, we can review where things stand and help you understand the next steps in plain English.

Having the right legal support can make a significant difference, particularly where there is a chain, a tight deadline, or a more complex issue such as a leasehold title, restrictive covenant, or lender requirement.

What should I check before making the change?

Before you decide to switch, it is sensible to consider the following:

• How far the transaction has progressed
• What fees you may already owe
• Whether searches and documents can be reused
• How quickly the new firm can take over
• Whether your mortgage lender needs to be notified
• Whether any deadlines are approaching, such as exchange or completion

If you are unsure, ask for a second opinion. Sometimes the issue can be resolved by improving communication with your current conveyancer rather than changing firms. In other cases, switching may be the better option.

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Can I change conveyancer if I have already paid a deposit?

Yes, but the deposit is usually held as part of the transaction and does not automatically stop you changing solicitor. The position will depend on the stage of the purchase and how the deposit has been paid or protected. You should seek advice before making any decision.

Can I change conveyancer during a remortgage?

Yes. You can usually change firms during a remortgage, although you should check whether your lender has any panel requirements. If the lender has already issued instructions to the original firm, the process of changing can take time.

Can I change conveyancer for a leasehold property?

Yes, but leasehold transactions can be more document-heavy, so it is important to make sure your new conveyancer has the lease details, management information and any replies to enquiries already obtained. This helps avoid duplication and delay.

Will my new conveyancer need to start from scratch?

Not necessarily. A good replacement firm should review the file carefully and continue from where the previous solicitor left off. However, some checks may need to be repeated depending on the quality and age of the existing work.

Speak to RFB Legal about changing conveyancer

If you are thinking about changing conveyancer, RFB Legal can give you clear, practical guidance on your options. We help clients at different stages of residential property transactions and aim to make the process as smooth and efficient as possible. Whether you are buying, selling, remortgaging or transferring equity, we can review your circumstances and advise on the best next step for you.

Every transaction is different, so it is always wise to get advice based on your own situation before making a change. If you want responsive support from an experienced residential property solicitor, RFB Legal is here to help.