Online Conveyancing UK: Checklist Before You Instruct a Solicitor

Online conveyancing in the UK has quietly become normal. Many people now work from home part of the week, scan documents on their phones, and expect quick digital updates on everything — including house moves. But the speed of clicking through an online form can hide important details. If you skip checks, you might end up with a firm your lender won't work with, unclear communication, or surprise extras on your bill.

Taking an hour to run through a simple checklist before you commit can make a real difference to how smoothly the rest of your move goes.

Avoid Costly Mistakes When Instructing Online Conveyancers

Online conveyancing suits busy lives. You can upload ID from your sofa, sign many papers electronically, and track your case through a portal. But that same speed can mask important gaps. If you skip checks, you might end up with:

• A firm that your mortgage lender will not work with
• A central "case factory" where nobody really owns your file
• Slow or unclear communication when the chain needs quick answers
• Extra charges for work you assumed was included

A better approach is to slow down for an hour, ask a few smart questions, and compare like for like.

Confirm Lender-Panel Status Before You Commit

Your mortgage lender will only work with firms on its approved "panel." If your chosen firm is not on that list, your lender may insist on a second firm or refuse to lend until you switch — meaning extra legal work, a second set of checks, and delay to exchange and completion.

To avoid this:

• Ask the firm directly which lenders they are on panel for
• Look for lender-panel details in their quote or welcome pack
• Double-check with your lender if you are unsure

Know Who Actually Runs Your Case Day-to-Day

Many people assume a solicitor will handle all their work. That is not always the case with online conveyancing. You may find a team model where legal executives or case handlers do the day-to-day work under supervision. None of this is automatically bad — a good team model can be efficient — but you should know the setup before you commit.

Before instructing, ask:

• Who will be my main day-to-day contact?
• What is their role and qualification level?
• Roughly how many files do they handle at once?
• Who supervises them if a tricky issue comes up?

Demand Clear Communication Standards and Realistic Timelines

Good communication often matters more to your stress levels than pure speed. Before you instruct, ask for simple, written expectations:

• Typical response time for emails and portal messages
• How often they will give you proactive updates
• Who you can escalate to if you feel stuck

It also helps to ask about key timelines:

• Average time to order, receive, and report on searches
• Usual pattern for working towards exchange and completion
• Holiday cover if your main handler is away

Check ID, AML and Portal Limits Before You Start

Every regulated conveyancer must carry out ID and anti-money laundering checks. With online conveyancing, most of this now happens digitally. Typical checks include:

• Electronic ID verification against your passport or driving licence
• Proof of address, such as a recent bill or statement
• Source-of-funds questions, especially for large savings or gifted deposits

Ask early on:

• What ID app or process do they use and what documents are accepted?
• What happens if the electronic check fails?
• What help is offered if you are not confident with technology?

Also check what the online portal can actually do. Many systems let you upload documents and e-sign some forms, but certain paperwork may still need a "wet" signature. Make sure there is a backup route — such as phone or email — if the portal goes down.

Spot Hidden Extras and Quote Exclusions Upfront

Online quotes often look simple at first glance, with one total number and a few short lines. Under the surface, there are two main parts: the legal fee the firm keeps for its work, and disbursements paid to third parties like local authorities and the Land Registry. Watch for:

• Very low "from" prices that rise once details are known
• Extra charges for acting for your lender
• Add-ons for leasehold work or shared ownership
• Separate fees for bank transfers or mortgage admin
• Extra costs for Help to Buy or other schemes

Even when using a transparent comparison tool, it is worth confirming in writing:

• What exactly is included in their quoted fee
• What extras might apply to your specific property or mortgage
• When and how any extra charges would be agreed

Use This Checklist and Move with Confidence

The key steps before instructing any online conveyancer:

• Check your chosen firm is on your lender's panel
• Confirm who will actually handle your case and who supervises them
• Agree clear communication expectations and realistic timelines
• Understand the ID and AML process and any tech limits
• Review the portal features and backup contact routes
• Pin down what is and is not included in the quote

At Conveyancing Calculator, we help you see instant quotes from SRA-regulated solicitors and CLC-licensed conveyancers. Use this checklist alongside our tool to choose the firm that fits your lender, your property, and your own way of working.