1. Local Expertise and Market Knowledge
Why it matters:
Commercial conveyancing isn’t just about law—it’s about understanding local markets. A solicitor familiar with your area knows the local land registry quirks, planning applications, landlord/tenant trends, and pedigrees of property developments.
How to check:
- Ask if they’ve handled deals for similar property types—offices, retail units, industrial sites—in your town or city.
- Do they know local planning issues or council policies that can delay your deal?
- Are they part of local business networks, chambers of commerce, or property forums?
2. Commercial Conveyancing Experience
Why it matters:
Commercial property is complex—leasing structures, title irregularities, outdated planning consents, rent reviews, service charge liabilities. You need someone who’s seen it all.
Look for:
- Solicitors focusing on commercial deals—not mixed residential—and who’ve completed similar transactions recently.
- Case studies or client testimonials featuring commercial conveyancing.
- Qualifications and memberships with relevant legal bodies (e.g., Law Society Conveyancing Quality Scheme, RICS).
3. Clear Fees and Value
Why it matters:
Commercial transactions can involve multiple documents, lease negotiations, searches, due diligence, and title reviews. You want fees that are clear, structured, and fair.
Ask about:
- Fixed or capped fees—especially useful where purchase price and complexity are foreseeable.
- Disbursements—search costs, Land Registry fees, environmental reports.
- Hourly rates—know these early if your matter may go “off instruction”.
- Transparency—is a full costs guide provided? Are you alerted if extra work arises?
4. Responsiveness and Communication
Why it matters:
Commercial deals move fast—and can hinge on finding answers or documents quickly. Poor communication stalls transactions and raises costs.
Check these signals:
- Are they quick to reply to your enquiry or quote request?
- Do they provide a dedicated case handler with direct contact details?
- Can they give regular updates?
- Do they anticipate problems or delay by flagging issues?
5. Comprehensive Conveyancing Service
Why it matters:
Commercial conveyancing often involves more than just the legal contract. You may need simultaneous lease negotiations, planning review, environmental assessment, or landlord & tenant agreement.
Ask if they can:
- Handle lease drafting, rent review, break clauses or planning checks in-house—or if they outsource these to third parties.
- Provide introductions to surveyors, environmental consultants, or tax advisers.
6. Track Record With Timely Completion
Why it matters:
Timings can make—or break—under offers, rent commencement, or loan drawdowns. You want a solicitor who sticks to timelines and meets key milestones.
Find out:
- Their average time from instruction to exchange.
- Their average exchange-to-completion times.
- How they manage chains—particularly if you’re buying out of a leasehold head lease, or leaseback scenario.
7. Client Feedback and Recommendations
Why it matters:
Others’ experience is a reliable indicator of service quality, problem-solving, and legal knowledge.
Where to look:
- Client testimonials on their website.
- Reviews on independent platforms—Google, Trustpilot, LinkedIn.
- Think about contacting past clients or asking your network for recommendations.
8. Your First Meeting or Call
Make the most of your initial contact or meeting—this is your chance to assess fit, approach, and clarity.
Ask about:
- Their experience with similar local deals
- Typical timelines and milestones for your transaction
- Potential snagging points—lease structure, service charge disputes, restrictive covenants
- Who is your point of contact, and how will they update you?
- Their stance on escalations: when do they call you to resolve issues vs. quick decisions?
9. Red Flags to Avoid
- Unsolicited offmarket deals or “quickturnaround” without clear transaction plan
- Unclear fee structures or absence of a written costs guide
- No local experience in the area or property type you’re dealing with
- Lack of direct contact details—do you even know who’ll handle your case?
- Poor online reputation or no verifiable testimonials
Summary: The Checklist
Criteria
| Local market expertise |
| Pure commercial conveyancing focus |
| Fees & transparency |
| Responsiveness |
| Comprehensive service |
| Proven timeline performance |
| Access to reviews/recommendations |
Why it Matters
| Gives insight on planning, councils, and precedents |
| Ensures in-depth knowledge of complex terms |
| Budget control, avoids unexpected bills |
| Keeps deal on schedule, reduces stress |
| Covers your entire transaction—from leases to searches |
| Fewer delays, smoother completion |
| Confirms real client experience and success |
Want help vetting local conveyancers or comparing quotes? We’re happy to provide unbiased guidance to help your search.
When done well, conveyancing becomes a competitive edge—not a bottleneck. And with thorough due diligence, open communication, and legal clarity, your next commercial property move can be smooth, strategic, and successful.