Conveyancing - Costs and fees - Remortgaging - First time buyer - Buying a home

Local vs online conveyancing: Which is right for you?

4 min read

Choosing a conveyancer is an important part of buying or selling a home. We explain how local and online conveyancing compare, what to consider before choosing a provider and how to find the right service for your move.

  • Arti Dhamu, Move Specialist at My Home Move Conveyancing
    Arti Dhamu

    Move Specialist

    Updated on

    Published

A woman with blond hair works on a laptop at a cafe window seat, with a coffee cup and potted plant nearby. A car is visible through the window.

Online conveyancing vs local solicitors

Choosing a conveyancer is an important part of buying or selling a home. But do you need a solicitor based near you, or could an online conveyancing service be just as suitable?

Both options can help you manage the legal side of your move, but there are differences in how you communicate, access your documents and manage your case.

High street view with a real estate agency window displaying listings. A church is visible in the background under a blue sky with clouds.

Do you need a local solicitor for conveyancing?

No, you don't need to use a solicitor based near the property you're buying or selling. Conveyancing can be handled remotely, meaning you can choose a suitable conveyancer regardless of where their office is located.

An online conveyancing service allows you to manage much of the process digitally, including completing forms, sharing documents and communicating with your conveyancer. However, if you prefer face-to-face meetings or would like the option of visiting an office, a local solicitor may be more suitable.

The important thing is choosing a regulated conveyancing provider that offers the right expertise, communication and support for your transaction. Conveyancers are regulated by the Council for Licensed Conveyancers (CLC) and focus on the legal side of moving home only. Whereas if you use a local solicitor, you’re more likely going to be working with a solicitor, rather than a conveyancer. Solicitors are regulated by the Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA), and work on a wide range of legal services.

Charming brick house with a blue door, surrounded by climbing plants and a variety of colorful flowers behind a black wrought-iron fence.

Looking for a conveyancer?

Get a personalised quote for your move in just a few minutes.

What's the difference between local and online conveyancing?

Whilst the legal work involved is broadly the same, the way you access their service can differ. The table below helps to explain these differences.

Online conveyancingLocal conveyancing
Much of the process can be managed remotelyMay offer in-person appointments
Documents can often be completed and shared digitallyMay offer digital services, postal documents or office visits
Customers can choose from providers across a wider geographical areaCustomers can choose a firm based near their home or property
Communication may be through phone, email, apps and online portalsCommunication may include phone, email, online portals and face-to-face meetings

Service levels, fees and technology can vary between individual conveyancing firms, whether they're based locally or operate online.

It's worth comparing what's included in your quote, how you'll communicate with your conveyancer and the tools available to help manage your move before making your decision.

Is online conveyancing better than using a local solicitor?

Mobile screen displaying the eWay property purchase dashboard for Flat 1, with an actions overview and contact details of the conveyancer.
  • Curved blue arrow pointing to the right on a transparent background.

    Convenience and accessibility

    Online services can reduce the need for office visits and make it easier to manage documents around work and family commitments. Our online portal eWay let's you respond to messages, complete documents and contact your conveyancer 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

  • Curved blue arrow pointing to the right on a transparent background.

    Communication and personal support

    Online conveyancing doesn't have to feel impersonal. The quality of communication depends on the provider - check what methods are available for you to contact your conveyancer and receive updates. Our dedicated conveyancers and Move Specialists will always do their utmost to respond to your enquiries promptly.

  • Curved blue arrow pointing to the right on a transparent background.

    Conveyancing costs

    Online conveyancing isn't always cheaper than local conveyancing. Always compare your full quote, including legal fees, VAT, third-party costs and any additional charges that may apply.

  • Curved blue arrow pointing to the right on a transparent background.

    Experience and specialist knowledge

    The relevant experience of your conveyancer matters more than their location. Through the Simplify group, we have access to the best people for the job. Our combined team of more than 300 conveyancers and solicitors, have seen and resolved every kind of hiccup or speed bump you could encounter during a home move.

  • Curved blue arrow pointing to the right on a transparent background.

    Speed and efficiency

    Timelines will depend on factors such as the property chain, mortgage lender, searches and how promptly everyone involved responds. However, having the flexibility to submit and complete documents online at any time of day can help to keep things on track.

Online conveyancing with My Home Move Conveyancing

At My Home Move Conveyancing, we combine the convenience of online conveyancing with the reassurance of having real people on hand when you need them. Whether you're buying, selling or remortgaging, we'll help you find a suitable conveyancer for your move, with online tools to make managing the legal process easier.

blue icon of the outline of a person with a headset on, like they are working in a call centre or customer services

Your own dedicated conveyancer

A dedicated professional to handle the legal side of your move

blue icon of shaking hands in front of the outline of a house

No Move, No Legal Fee

If your move falls through for a reason covered by our guarantee, you won't pay your legal fee

blue icon of a clock with an arrow tracing around the outside of the clock

24/7 online case access

Use eWay to access your case, complete forms and upload documents whenever it suits you

blue outline of 2 people with speech bubbles and lines of writing inside the bubbles

Real people when you need them

Our Move Specialists can explain your quote, answer questions and help you get started

Your move, your time, your way

Get the convenience of online conveyancing with a dedicated conveyancer and real people on hand when you need them.

Tarbir, Tom and Arti from the Move Specialists team
Man in a red sweater sits on a desk, smiling while holding a paper and tablet. A cup of coffee and tablet are in front of him.

Be confident you've made the right choice

Is online conveyancing safe?

Before choosing a conveyancer, there are a few simple checks you can make:

  • Check they’re regulated: Choose a conveyancing firm regulated by the Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA) or Council for Licensed Conveyancers (CLC), which set professional standards for legal service providers.

  • Verify the firm: You can check a firm’s regulatory status using the SRA or CLC online registers before instructing them.

  • Keep your information and money safe: A reputable provider should offer secure ways to share sensitive documents and clear guidance for checking bank details before transferring funds.

  • Look for signs you can trust: Check for clear fees, genuine customer reviews, secure online systems, accessible support and transparent information about who will handle your conveyancing.

At My Home Move Conveyancing, we only work with regulated legal firms, so you can feel confident your conveyancing is in safe hands. Visit our conveyancing partners page to learn more about the firms that handle your legal work.

A smiling woman sits on a kitchen counter, holding a mug and a child's hand. The child sits beside her, holding two oranges.

How to choose the right conveyancer for your move

Ask the questions that are important to you:

  • Is the firm regulated by the SRA or CLC?

  • Does the quote clearly explain all expected costs?

  • Will I have a dedicated conveyancer?

  • How will I receive updates about my case?

  • Can I manage documents and forms online?

  • Does the firm have experience with my type of property transaction?

  • What happens if my move doesn't go ahead?

Frequently asked questions about local and online conveyancing

Contact

We're here to help

Get in touch with one of the team

Conveyancing team

If you would like to speak to your conveyancer, please log in to your eWay account where you can find their contact details.

  • Monday - Friday

    9am - 5pm

Move Specialist team

If you would like to get a new quote or discuss a previous one, please call our Move Specialists on

  • Monday - Friday

    9am - 5pm

General Enquiries

If you would like to email us, please send it to the following email address:

  • Monday - Friday

    9am - 5pm