How to Switch Conveyancers If You Are Unhappy With the Service

TL;DR: If you're wondering how to switch conveyancers, the short answer is that it's usually possible at almost any stage before completion, though it's easier and cheaper the earlier you do it — the process generally involves raising your concerns first, then formally instructing a new firm and requesting your file be transferred.

Most house moves go smoothly, but occasionally a transaction can feel like it's drifting — calls go unanswered, updates dry up, or you simply get the sense that your file isn't a priority. If you've reached that point, you might be wondering whether switching conveyancers partway through a purchase or sale is even possible, and what it would actually involve.

This article covers the signs that a switch might be worth considering, what to check before making a move, whether it's possible after exchange of contracts, what it might cost, and a step-by-step outline of how the switching process typically works.

Before we go further: I'm a blog writer, not a solicitor or licensed conveyancer, so this is general information rather than personal legal advice. Every transaction is different, so it's always worth discussing your specific situation with a qualified professional before deciding to switch.

Table of contents

• Signs it might be time to switch conveyancers
• Things to check before switching
• Switching before exchange vs after exchange
• What switching might cost you
• Step-by-step: how to switch conveyancers
• Choosing a new conveyancer
• Keeping your transaction on track during the switch
• Quick checklist before you switch
• FAQs about switching conveyancers
• Summary and what to do next

Signs it might be time to switch conveyancers

Every transaction has the odd quiet week, so a single missed call isn't necessarily a reason to switch. It's more about a pattern building up over time.

Common reasons people consider switching

• Repeated unanswered calls or emails with no explanation
• Missed deadlines that were never flagged in advance
• Mistakes in paperwork that keep recurring
• A named contact who has left the firm with no clear replacement
• A complete breakdown in trust after a serious error

If you're only experiencing one minor issue, it's often worth raising it directly with the firm first — many problems can be resolved once a firm knows you're unhappy, without needing to go through a full switch.

Things to check before switching

Before taking any action, it helps to understand exactly where your transaction currently stands and what a move to a new firm would actually involve.

Questions to answer first

• Have contracts been exchanged yet, or are you still in the pre-exchange stage?
• What work has already been paid for, and would any of it need to be repeated?
• Does your current firm's terms of engagement mention anything about ending the relationship early?
• Would switching risk missing an already-agreed completion date?

It's also worth putting your concerns in writing to your current firm before deciding to switch. Not only does this give them a chance to put things right, but it also creates a clear record of when problems started, which can be useful if a dispute over fees arises later.

Switching before exchange vs after exchange

Timing makes a real difference to how straightforward switching is.

Before exchange of contracts

This is generally the easiest point to switch. No binding commitment to complete exists yet, so a new conveyancer can pick up searches, enquiries and paperwork without the pressure of a fixed legal deadline hanging over the file.

After exchange of contracts

Switching after exchange is possible but considerably more pressured, since a legally binding completion date is now fixed and financial penalties can apply if it's missed. A new firm would need to get up to speed very quickly, and it's worth discussing directly with any prospective new conveyancer whether they're able to take on a file this late and still meet the date.

• Ask any new firm directly whether they can realistically meet an already-fixed completion date
• Understand that a late switch carries genuine risk of delay, which can have financial consequences
• Consider whether resolving issues with your current firm might be faster than switching this late

What switching might cost you

Switching isn't usually free, so it's worth going in with realistic expectations about the costs involved.

Costs that can arise from switching

• Fees for work already completed by your current firm, even if the transaction doesn't complete with them
• File transfer fees some firms charge to release your file and documents
• Potential duplication of costs if certain searches or checks need repeating
• The new firm's own fee, on top of anything already paid to the previous one

Ask your current firm for a clear, written breakdown of what you owe before agreeing to anything, and ask any new firm to confirm in writing what they'll charge to take over an existing file rather than starting from scratch.

Step-by-step: how to switch conveyancers

While every situation differs slightly, the general process for switching conveyancers usually follows a similar pattern.

1. Raise your concerns in writing first. Give your current firm a clear opportunity to respond before deciding to leave.
2. Check your current terms of engagement. Look for any clauses about ending the relationship, outstanding fees, or notice requirements.
3. Research and choose a new conveyancer. Confirm they're properly regulated and ask whether they can realistically take on your file at its current stage.
4. Instruct the new firm formally. They'll usually ask you to sign new terms of engagement before they can act on your behalf.
5. Authorise the file transfer. Your new firm will typically write to your old one requesting your file, usually with your written authority attached.
6. Settle any outstanding fees with your previous firm. This is often required before the file is released.
7. Confirm the handover is complete. Ask your new conveyancer to confirm they have everything they need and understand the current status of your transaction.
8. Update other parties. Make sure your estate agent, mortgage lender and the other side's conveyancer all have your new firm's details.

Choosing a new conveyancer

When you're switching partway through a transaction, choosing a replacement is a little different to choosing one at the very start — capacity and willingness to take on an in-progress file matter as much as reputation.

Extra questions worth asking a prospective new firm

• Have you taken on partway-through files before, and how did that typically go?
• How quickly can you realistically get up to speed on my file?
• Will one named person be handling it, and can I speak to them directly if needed?
• What do you need from me and from my previous firm to get started immediately?

It's still worth doing basic due diligence — checking SRA or CLC regulation and reading recent reviews — even though you're in a hurry, since a second poor experience is the last thing you need.

Keeping your transaction on track during the switch

A switch inevitably introduces some delay while the new firm gets up to speed, but there are ways to minimise the disruption.

• Keep your own copies of key documents and correspondence throughout, so you can supply them quickly if needed
• Communicate proactively with your estate agent about the change, so they can manage expectations with the other side
• Ask your new firm for a realistic revised timeline as soon as they've reviewed the file
• Stay in regular contact during the handover period specifically, since this is when things are most likely to slip through the cracks

Quick checklist before you switch

• Have you raised your concerns with your current firm in writing?
• Do you know exactly what stage your transaction is at, including whether contracts are exchanged?
• Have you asked your current firm for a written breakdown of fees owed?
• Have you confirmed a new firm can realistically take on your file and meet any fixed dates?
• Have you told your estate agent and mortgage lender about the change?

FAQs about switching conveyancers

Can I switch conveyancers partway through buying a house?
Yes, this is generally possible at most stages before completion, though it's easier and less risky before contracts are exchanged.

Can I switch conveyancers after exchange of contracts?
It's possible but more pressured, since a binding completion date is already fixed, so it's worth checking carefully whether a new firm can realistically meet that date.

Will I have to pay twice if I switch conveyancers?
You may need to pay your original firm for work already done, plus your new firm's fee, so it's worth getting a written breakdown of costs before deciding.

How long does it take to switch conveyancers?
This varies depending on how complex your file is and how quickly your current firm releases it, but it typically takes at least a few days to a couple of weeks.

Do I need a good reason to switch conveyancers?
No formal reason is required, but raising concerns with your current firm first often resolves the issue, or at least clarifies whether switching is genuinely necessary.

Who tells the other side's conveyancer that I've switched?
Usually your new conveyancer will formally notify the other party's solicitor or licensed conveyancer, but it's worth confirming this has happened rather than assuming.

Summary and what to do next

• Switching conveyancers is usually possible, and easiest before exchange of contracts
• Raise concerns with your current firm in writing before deciding to leave, where possible
• Expect some cost when switching, and get a written breakdown from both firms
• Follow a clear process: raise concerns, choose a new firm, transfer the file, settle fees, update other parties
• Switching late in a transaction carries more risk, so weigh it carefully against resolving issues directly

This article is general information only, from a blogger's perspective rather than a solicitor's or licensed conveyancer's. It isn't personal legal advice. Always discuss your specific situation with a qualified solicitor or licensed conveyancer before deciding whether or how to switch.

Need help or have questions?

We're not solicitors or licensed conveyancers, so we can't give legal advice or tell you whether switching is right for your situation, but if you have a general question about the switching process, we're happy to point you towards further guides.

You can reach us through our contact form on the website using the button below. For advice specific to your own transaction, please speak to a qualified solicitor or licensed conveyancer directly.

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Reminder: this site is a blog, not a law firm, and nothing in this article is a substitute for professional legal advice. Always get personalised guidance from a qualified solicitor or licensed conveyancer before making decisions about buying or selling a home.