Property Delays Can Break the Chain (and the Budget)

Let’s say you’ve found your dream home and are ready to move. But your solicitor forgets to chase local authority searches or delays responding to the mortgage lender.

Result? Your exchange date is missed, the seller backs out, and you’re left scrambling. It happens more than you’d think. You could lose your deposit, face penalty fees, or have to start all over again.

A good conveyancing solicitor keeps everything on track and makes sure your money and your future home are protected.

Going Through a Separation? Don’t Overlook the Legal Side

If you’re separating from a partner and own a property together, transferring ownership becomes a legal process too. It could be required to add or remove a name within the title. These are not just form-filling tasks; they involve legal checks, consents, and lender approvals.

If you're separating and have a property together, which needs to be transferred into the sole name of another, or from sole name into joint names, then turning to a good Conveyancing Solicitor is what matters.

Save you from Hidden Fees

A quote that looks cheap on paper can show real cost with add-ons later, things like ID checks, transfer fees, and disbursements. Some firms don’t mention these up front, leaving you feeling stuck when they appear on the final invoice.

Help in Avoiding Communication Barriers

When you're in the middle of a property deal, waiting days for an update feels like a year. A solicitor who rarely responds, gives vague timelines, or disappears during crunch time can derail your entire move. Good conveyancers are proactive, keep you updated, and explain things in plain English, not legal speak.

The Right Legal Partner = Peace of Mind

Whether you’re buying your first flat, selling a family home, or changing ownership after a breakup, your solicitor is the one making sure it all goes through legally and on time. They talk to mortgage lenders, chase documents, double-check registrations, and handle the nitty-gritty, so you don’t have to.

Now that you know what’s at stake, let’s get practical. In the next section, we’ll break down exactly what to look for in a good conveyancing solicitor, from experience and cost to reviews and mortgage approval. These aren’t nice-to-haves; they’re deal-breakers.

Things to Look For in a Good Conveyancing Solicitor

Finding a solicitors in stevenage who makes the process easier can feel like luck. But it’s not. You can keep an eye out for red flags, signals, and indications. You don’t need to become a legal expert; all you need to do is ask the right questions and know what to expect.

Here’s a breakdown of what matters when choosing a good conveyancing solicitor, especially if you're dealing with something as important as a home sale, a separation-related transfer, or a first-time purchase.

1. Experience & Specialisation

Conveyancing isn’t just another legal work. It’s a specific process with layers. From searches and contracts to land registry issues and title investigations, experience genuinely matters.

If a solicitor has been handling property cases across Stevenage, Peterborough, or Watford for years, they’re more likely to understand the quirks of local properties, estate agents, and lender expectations.

Tip: Ask how many local transactions they’ve handled in the past year and what kind of issues they typically resolve.

2. Communication & Availability

Nothing causes more stress than feeling ignored. It’s five days before you’re supposed to exchange contracts, and your solicitor hasn’t replied in two. Your emails sit unread, your agent’s chasing answers, and panic sets in.

A good conveyancing solicitor makes communication a priority. They’ll keep you informed, respond promptly, and explain things in a way that makes sense.

Tip: Before hiring anyone, ask how often they’ll update you, and through which channel. Whether it’s email, phone, or WhatsApp, make sure it works for you.

3. Transparency & Fees

Property deals come with a handsome amount, and not all solicitors are upfront about them. That “affordable” quote you found online? It might not include essential third-party charges, like searches or bank transfer fees.

You don’t want to be the person who finds out about an extra £300 fee the day before completion. With legal services, clarity is just as important as the cost.

Tip: Request a full written quote and ask directly, “Is there anything else I’ll be expected to pay for later?” It’ll save you from nasty surprises.

4. Reputation & Reviews

What other people have to say can teach you a lot. If a solicitor is constantly rated highly, especially when people mention communication, speed, and professionalism, that’s a green flag. A mountain of solid reviews often means they know what they’re doing and treat people fairly.

Take Fosters Legal, for example: they hold a 4.9★ rating from over 120 UK clients across services, like property law, family law, and immigration.

Tip: Don’t just look at star ratings, read what people are saying. Are clients feeling heard? Was the service worth the money?

5. Accreditations & Professionalism

Legal work isn’t just about paperwork; it’s about accountability. Any solicitor you hire should be registered with the Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA) and ideally a member of the Law Society or Council for Licensed Conveyancers.

This will tell you that they follow professional standards, are regularly audited, and carry the right insurance to protect your interests. If they’re missing these credentials, walk away.

Tip: Look for their SRA number on their website and make sure they’re listed on your lender’s approved panel if you’re getting a mortgage.

6. Mortgage Lender Approval

Not every solicitor can work with every lender. If you hire someone not on your mortgage provider’s approved panel, you could face major delays or, worse, extra legal fees for needing a second solicitor.

This often happens with online firms or budget solicitors who don’t disclose upfront that they’re not lender-approved. Suddenly, you're weeks into the process and back to square one.

Tip: Before you commit, ask: “Are you approved by my lender?” and confirm it with your mortgage advisor.

When you're putting your money, time, and trust into a property move, whether it's buying, selling, or transferring ownership after a separation, these six checks can make or break the experience. Next up, we’ll show you how Fosters Legal ticks all these boxes and more, so you can move forward with real confidence.

Why Fosters Legal is a Good Conveyancing Solicitor in Stevenage

Whether you're buying, selling, or transferring property after a separation, Fosters Legal brings real value, local insight, and a people-first approach that sets it apart in Stevenage and surrounding areas.

1. Specialist Expertise in Local Property

Fosters Legal has spent over a decade handling conveyancing cases across Stevenage, Peterborough, and Watford. That means they know the local property scene inside out from private road ownership quirks to leasehold traps that first-time buyers often miss. You won’t have to explain postcode-specific issues because chances are, they’ve already handled something similar.

If your situation involves shared ownership, tricky access rights, or remortgaging, they already know what to check for, saving you stress and delays.

2. Communication That Happens

No legal jargon. No silent treatment. Fosters Legal believes that good service starts with simple, clear updates. You’ll get same-day responses, WhatsApp support, and regular check-ins throughout the process—even if it’s a weekend and you’re stuck worrying.

3. Transparent, Pocket-Friendly Fees

Legal costs shouldn’t feel like a moving target. That’s why Fosters Legal offers fixed-fee packages with a clear breakdown of every charge, upfront. Whether you’re working with a tight budget, finding best Wills Drafting Services in Stevenage or navigating a separation and need to transfer property ownership, their pricing model stays fair.

Even better, they offer fee waivers and free search bundles for low-income clients, so you don’t have to put off legal help just because you’re worried about the bill. They think that not just the wealthy should have access to high-quality services.

4. Trust Backed by Real People

You don't have to believe what they say. 120+ UK clients have rated Fosters Legal 4.9 stars, and many of those reviews come from local people facing real property problems. Whether it was their first time buying or a sensitive transfer after divorce, what stands out is how many clients felt supported, heard, and relieved by the end of the process.

5. Properly Accredited and Genuinely Professional

There’s a big difference between someone who can do the paperwork and someone who takes full legal responsibility. Fosters Legal is fully SRA-regulated, with all the required accreditations, insurance, and continuing legal education in place. That means you’re legally protected, fully informed, and supported by a team that knows how to handle even the most technical legal documents.

Want peace of mind? Ask for their SRA number, it’s all there.

Choosing a solicitor isn’t just a tick-box on your to-do list; it’s the foundation of your entire property transaction.

Make the Right Move with the Right Solicitor

When it comes to property, your solicitor can either make the process smooth or seriously stressful. Throughout this blog, we’ve covered the six things that matter when choosing a good conveyancing solicitor: experience, communication, transparency, reputation, accreditation, and mortgage lender approval.

Each one plays a key role in saving you time, money, and unnecessary headaches—especially if you're going through a big change like buying your first home or transferring ownership after a separation.

So why take chances?

Skip the stress, choose a good conveyancing solicitor who ticks all the right boxes.

At Fosters Legal, we keep things clear, affordable, and tailored to your needs.

Schedule your free 15-minute call with our Stevenage team today. No jargon. No pressure. Just expert help when you need it.

Frequently Asked Questions