Can I Change Solicitors When Moving House (Buying and Selling)- UK Conveyancing Guide
By Homey
•
24 Oct 2025
Hello there! Wow, you're in the middle of one of the biggest juggling acts of your life – selling your current home and buying a new one at the same time. It’s a thrilling, busy, and let's be honest, pretty stressful time. You are a true "mover," and the key to keeping this whole show on the road is having a brilliant solicitor to guide you. But what if you don't? What if your solicitor is the one thing causing all the sleepless nights? Perhaps they're not answering emails, your buyer is getting restless, and you're worried your seller might pull out. It's a nightmare scenario, making you feel stuck and powerless. So, let's get straight to the heart of the matter.
Can I Change My Solicitor When I'm Buying AND Selling?
Yes, you absolutely can. You are the client, and you have the right to choose who represents you, even in the middle of the process.
HOWEVER... (and for you, as a mover, this is the biggest "however" imaginable) you need to know that for someone in your exact position, this is one of the riskiest things you can do.
Why? Because you're not just switching one solicitor. You're switching two – the one handling your sale and the one handling your purchase. The potential for cost and delay is doubled, and you're risking the entire property chain.
Before you make a single move, let's walk through this together so you can make a truly informed choice.
The "Double Risk": Why This is So Critical for You
When you're in a chain, timing is everything. A delay on your part doesn't just affect you; it affects your buyer (and their chain) and your seller (and their chain). By switching solicitors, you are almost guaranteeing a delay, and here’s why:
Risk 1: The Problems with Your Sale Your buyer is waiting. If you suddenly change solicitors, their conveyancer will have to stop and wait for your new solicitor to get the file, get up to speed, and re-issue any paperwork. This delay can make a perfectly good buyer very nervous, and they could decide to pull out.
Risk 2: The Problems with Your Purchase Your seller is also waiting. Your new solicitor has to do all their checks on your new home from scratch. And, most importantly:
The Mortgage Panel: Your new solicitor must be on your mortgage lender's "approved panel." If you instruct a new firm and they aren't on the panel, you will be delayed by weeks as they apply, or you'll have to find another solicitor. This is the first and most important question you must ask.
Risk 3: The Cost (It's a Double Whammy)
You'll have to pay your old solicitor. They will bill you for all the work they have completed so far on both your sale file and your purchase file.
"No Sale, No Fee" doesn't apply. A "No Sale, No Fee" agreement is for when the transaction falls through. It does not mean you can just walk away without paying if you decide to switch. You will have to pay for the work done.
You'll have to pay your new solicitor. They will be starting both files from (near) the beginning. You will, in effect, be paying twice for some of the work.
Risk 4: The "File Hostage" Delay This is the biggest bottleneck. Your old solicitor will not release either of your files to your new solicitor until their bill (for both files) has been paid in full. If there's any dispute over the bill, your files stay put, and your entire chain grinds to a halt.
The Nightmare Scenario: A delay from the switch spooks your buyer, who pulls out. This means you can no longer afford your purchase. Your seller, who has been patient up to this point, gives up and puts their house back on the market. The entire chain collapses, all because of the time it took to switch.
This nightmare scenario is all too common, and the stress of managing a chain is immense. If you're feeling stuck, you need a new solicitor who can handle both your sale and purchase seamlessly and, crucially, fast. At Homey, we specialise in this. We can provide a free consultation to assess your chain and instantly connect you with a new, pre-vetted solicitor from our panel who is guaranteed to be on your lender's list. Visit www.homey.co.uk/conveyancing to see how we can rescue your move.
An Alternative: Can You Fix It First?
Before you press the big red button, try this one last thing. It's often faster and much, much cheaper.
Call your current solicitor's firm and ask to speak to the Practice Manager or a Senior Partner.
Be polite but firm. Say, "I am a mover in a chain, and I am seriously concerned about the lack of communication/progress. I am on the verge of switching firms, which I know will risk my entire chain, but I feel I have no choice. Can you please tell me what you can do to get my case back on track today?"
You would be amazed how often this one call can suddenly get your file moved to the top of the pile.
If You Absolutely Must Switch: A Mover's Guide
If you've tried the step above and nothing has changed, or the relationship is beyond repair, here is how to switch with the least possible damage.
Do NOT fire your old solicitor yet.
Find your new solicitor. Get recommendations, read reviews, and get a fixed-fee quote for both your sale and your purchase.
Ask them the Golden Question: "Are you on the approved panel for [Your Mortgage Lender's Name]?" If the answer is "no" or "I'll have to check," move on and find someone else.
Formally instruct your new solicitor. Once you have a "yes" on the panel question, sign their client care letters. They will send you a "form of authority."
Inform the Estate Agents. Call the agent for your sale and the agent for your purchase. Be honest. "To get things moving, we've made the decision to switch to a more proactive solicitor. Their name is [Name], and they will be in touch shortly." This manages everyone's expectations.
Formally contact your old solicitor. Now you can send them a clear email. State that you are switching to [New Firm]. Ask them to stop all work and provide a final itemised bill for both your sale and purchase files. Request they send the complete files to your new firm as a matter of urgency.
Pay the old bill. Immediately. Do not argue about it (unless it's truly outrageous). The fastest way to get your files moving is to pay that bill. Any delay here is a delay to your move.
You are on an amazing journey, and you deserve a guide you can trust. Changing solicitors is a huge decision, but you have the right to be represented properly. Just make sure you do it with your eyes wide open to the risks.
Here's to a smoother journey and the keys to your new home!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.
