Licensed conveyancer vs solicitor: what's the difference?

When choosing who'll handle your property purchase, you'll encounter two options: licensed conveyancers and solicitors. Both can manage your conveyancing legally, but they differ in training, regulation and scope.

Understanding these differences helps you make the right choice for your situation - particularly if you're a first-time buyer comparing options.

A licensed conveyancer is a property law specialist qualified to handle all legal aspects of buying or selling property in England and Wales. Since 1985, the Council of Licensed Conveyancers (CLC) has regulated these professionals, ensuring they meet strict standards of competence and conduct.

Unlike solicitors who may practice in various legal areas, licensed conveyancers specialise exclusively in property transactions. This focused expertise means they handle conveyancing day in, day out - from straightforward first-time buyer purchases to complex leasehold transactions.

A licensed conveyancer handles all the legal aspects, administration and finance involved in a property or land transaction. They give you the legal advice needed to confidently transfer ownership.

Their responsibilities include:

• Preparing and reviewing property sale contracts
• Handling conveyancing searches such as local authority, environmental and drainage searches
• Carrying out Land Registry checks to verify ownership
• Coordinating with other conveyancers, mortgage lenders and estate agents
• Organising the payment of Stamp Duty Land Tax
• Acting as a Commissioner for Oaths to witness official documents

These responsibilities are similar to what a conveyancing solicitor handles - the key differences lie in their training and regulatory oversight rather than day-to-day tasks.

A licensed conveyancer has the same authority as a conveyancing solicitor when it comes to residential property transactions.

Here's how they compare:

Their legal training

A solicitor typically has broader legal knowledge beyond property law. A licensed conveyancer specialises solely in the legal and administrative work involved when buying or selling a home.

If you're unsure which is best for your situation, our guide on how to choose a conveyancer or solicitor explains what to look for.

Who regulates them

Firms or individuals must state who they are regulated by:

• Solicitors - Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA)
• Licensed conveyancers - Council for Licensed Conveyancers (CLC)

The term property lawyer isn't a protected term. It may refer to either.

Regardless of the title, both can handle the legal work required when moving home.

In practice, what does this mean?

For standard property purchases - including most first-time buyer transactions - both professionals handle the work to the same standard. The regulatory bodies (SRA for solicitors, CLC for conveyancers) ensure consumer protection is equivalent.

Cost differences are minimal and vary more by firm than by professional title. What matters more: clear communication, responsiveness and experience with your type of purchase.

For most first-time buyers, either option works well - what matters more is the individual professional's experience and communication style rather than their title.

Licensed conveyancers often work well for first-time buyers because:

They specialise exclusively in property transactions, which means they see first-time buyer purchases daily and understand the common questions and concerns. Many offer fixed-fee packages designed specifically for straightforward first-time buyer purchases, and they tend to explain processes clearly since conveyancing is their entire focus.

Conveyancing solicitors might be better if:

Your purchase involves complex legal issues beyond standard conveyancing, such as unusual ownership structures or inheritance matters. You might also prefer a solicitor if you want one professional who can handle related matters like preparing a deed of trust after completion, or if your purchase involves complicated title issues requiring broader legal expertise.

The key factors for first-time buyers:

Look for someone who communicates clearly, has solid first-time buyer experience and offers transparent fixed fees. Check reviews from other first-time buyers and ask specific questions about their FTB experience during initial consultations.

If you're unsure about a licensed conveyancer, you can check if they're regulated by the CLC through their online register.

Homeward Legal only works with conveyancers and solicitors who hold the necessary licences and are fully qualified to offer their services.

All our professionals are also members of the Conveyancing Quality Scheme (CQS), ensuring you receive the highest standards of service.

The Council for Licensed Conveyancers:

• Sets the educational and training standards for licensed conveyancers
• Regulates professional conduct
• Oversees discipline and compliance
• Maintains a compensation fund to protect consumers

This regulatory framework ensures licensed conveyancers meet the same consumer protection standards as solicitors, just under different oversight.

There isn't always a significant difference in cost, and licensed conveyancers aren't necessarily cheaper. Fees vary more by individual firm, transaction complexity and location than by professional title.

What matters most is experience, communication and transparency. Compare quotes from both types of professional, check their reviews and ask about their experience with transactions like yours.

Whether you choose a licensed conveyancer or solicitor, we can guide you through each stage of your property transaction. With extensive experience in all aspects of conveyancing, including supporting first-time buyers through their first purchase, we provide quality service at competitive rates.

Get a conveyancing quote online or call us on to discuss your property plans.