Can I Change Solicitors When Selling My House? UK Conveyancing Guide
By Homey
•
24 Oct 2025
Hello there! Selling your home is a massive step, a truly exciting new beginning. You’ve got your buyer, you've (hopefully) found your next dream place, and you’re ready to get moving. But what happens when the one person meant to be handling all the legal bits, your solicitor, seems to be grinding the whole process to a halt? Are you facing radio silence? Are your buyer's solicitors saying they're still waiting for answers? It can be incredibly stressful, especially when you feel your buyer's patience might be wearing thin. This can leave you wondering, "Am I stuck with them?" Let's get right to the answer.
Can I Change My Solicitor When Selling My House?
Yes, you absolutely can. You are the client, and you have the right to choose who represents you. You are not trapped.
However, it's a big decision that you need to weigh up carefully. Whilst switching is possible, it can have very real consequences for your wallet and, most importantly, your moving timeline.
Let's walk through the pros and cons together so you can make the best possible choice for your sale.
Why Might I Want to Switch Solicitors?
If you're reading this, you probably already have your reasons! The most common ones we hear from sellers are:
A total lack of communication: You're the one doing all the chasing, your emails are ignored, and you have no idea what's going on.
Serious delays: Perhaps they were slow to send out the draft contract pack to your buyer, or they're now taking weeks to answer simple enquiries.
Making you look bad: A slow or unresponsive solicitor can make your buyer nervous. It can make you look like you're not a serious seller, which is incredibly frustrating.
A breakdown of trust: You've lost confidence in their advice or their ability to get you to the finish line.What Are the Risks? The Big Downsides for a Seller
Before you make the jump, you must understand the two biggest risks: cost and time.Will it cost me more money?
Most likely, yes.
You'll have to pay for work already done: Your current solicitor will stop work and send you a final bill for all the time and tasks they've completed so far. This includes preparing the contract, answering enquiries, and any administrative time.
What about "No Sale, No Fee"? This is a crucial point. A "No Sale, No Fee" deal usually only applies if your sale falls through for reasons out of your control (like the buyer pulling out). It does not normally apply if you choose to leave them. You'll almost certainly have to pay for the work they've done.
File Transfer Fees: Some firms may charge an admin fee just to package up your file and send it to your new solicitor.Will it delay my sale? (And could I lose my buyer?)
This is the biggest risk for a seller. The answer is, almost certainly, yes, it will cause a delay.
The File Transfer: Your old solicitor will often not release your file until their final bill is paid. Any dispute over the bill will hold up your file, and therefore your entire sale.
Getting Up to Speed: Your new solicitor has to start from square one. They need to read every document, understand all the enquiries that have been raised and answered, and get to grips with your case.
The Buyer's Patience: This is the critical one. You must ask yourself: "Will my buyer wait?" A delay of one, two, or even three weeks could make a nervous buyer panic and pull out of the purchase, collapsing your sale.
Feeling stuck with an unresponsive solicitor can jeopardise your sale and your next move. Don't let poor service derail your plans. At Homey, we offer a free consultation to assess your situation. We can quickly connect you with a proactive, efficient conveyancer who understands the urgency and can get your sale back on track without losing your buyer. Visit www.homey.co.uk/conveyancing to find out how we can help rescue your sale today.
I'm in a Chain, What Happens Then?
If you are a "mover" (selling and buying at the same time), this decision is even more critical. Being part of a property chain adds another layer of complexity.
It delays your purchase: A delay in your sale automatically creates a delay in your purchase.
The whole chain is at risk: The person you're buying from might not be willing to wait for you to sort out your legal team. A delay caused by you could put your own purchase in jeopardy and risk collapsing the entire chain.
When is the Best (and Worst) Time to Switch?
Best Time: Right at the very beginning, before the draft contract pack has even been sent to your buyer's solicitor. The cost and delay will be minimal.
Okay Time: Before you have exchanged contracts. This is when most people switch, but you must be prepared for the delays and risks mentioned above.
Worst Time: After you have exchanged contracts. We would strongly advise against this. Once exchanged, you are legally bound to complete on a fixed date. A delay could mean you default on the contract, which could result in your buyer suing you and you facing serious financial penalties.How Do I Switch Solicitors? A Simple Guide
If you've weighed it all up and decided a switch is the only way forward, here is the best way to do it.
Don't fire your old solicitor yet!
Find your new solicitor. Get recommendations, read reviews, and get a fixed-fee quote. Most importantly, explain your situation and ask them how quickly they can realistically pick up the case.
Formally instruct your new solicitor. Once you're happy, sign their client care letter. They will give you a "form of authority" to sign.
Tell the estate agent. This is vital. The estate agent needs to manage your buyer. You can spin this positively: "We've been unhappy with the speed of our solicitor, so we have instructed a new, more proactive firm to get this moving for you."
Formally contact your old solicitor. Now you can send them a clear email. State that you are moving your file to [New Solicitor's Name]. Ask them to stop all work, provide a final bill, and confirm they will send the complete file to your new firm.
Pay the bill quickly. The fastest way to get your file moving is to pay that final bill from your old solicitor as soon as you can.
Selling your home is a big deal, and you deserve a legal partner who is on your side and pushing for you. If you're not getting that, you have the power to change. Just be sure to go into it with your eyes wide open to the risks.
Here's to getting your sale back on track and moving on to your next adventure!How Homey Can Help You
At Homey, we understand that the conveyancing process can be daunting. That's why we've leveraged technology to make it as smooth and stress-free as possible. Our platform allows you to manage your entire conveyancing journey digitally, from start to finish.
We offer:
Free Consultation: We provide a complimentary consultation where our experts help you understand the conveyancing process, identify your specific needs, and assist you in finding and choosing the right conveyancer for your property type and situation.
Digital Workflow: Our intuitive online portal allows for secure document exchange, real-time updates, and easy communication with your chosen conveyancer, all from the comfort of your home.
Expert Guidance: Beyond just connecting you with a conveyancer, Homey acts as your advocate, guiding you through each step of the process and representing your interests to ensure a transparent and efficient transaction. We're here to answer your questions, clarify complex legal jargon, and keep your purchase on track.
Streamlined Communication: Say goodbye to endless phone tag and email chains. Our platform centralises all communication, making it easy to stay informed and address any queries promptly.
With Homey, you're not just getting a digital service; you're gaining a partner dedicated to making your homeownership dream a reality with confidence and ease.
