What’s the Difference Between a Solicitor and a Conveyancer? 

If you’re buying your first home, one of the first decisions you’ll make is who should handle the legal work. You’ll often see the terms solicitor and conveyancer used interchangeably, but there are some important differences to understand. 

Both can carry out conveyancing. The right choice depends on your transaction. 

What is a licensed conveyancer? 

A licensed conveyancer is a legal professional who specialises exclusively in property law. Their training and regulation focus entirely on buying, selling, and remortgaging property. 

Licensed conveyancers are regulated by the Council for Licensed Conveyancers (CLC). They handle tasks such as: 

• Reviewing contracts 

• Carrying out property searches 

• Raising legal enquiries 

• Managing exchange and completion 

For many straightforward purchases, a licensed conveyancer can be a practical and efficient choice. 

What is a solicitor? 

A solicitor is a fully qualified lawyer who can work across multiple areas of law, including property. Solicitors are regulated by the Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA). 

In addition to standard conveyancing, solicitors can advise on more complex legal issues that sometimes arise during a transaction, such as: 

• Shared ownership arrangements 

• Lease extensions or short leases 

• Declarations of Trust 

• Family or trust-related ownership structures 

This broader legal background can be valuable where a purchase involves additional layers of complexity. 

What’s changed recently? 

The conveyancing landscape has evolved, and both solicitors and licensed conveyancers have adapted: 

• Digital integration – both now almost exclusively use biometric Digital ID verification and secure online portals, meeting HM Land Registry’s Digital ID Standard. This means faster onboarding and fewer in-person meetings, regardless of who you instruct. 

• Upfront information – new industry protocols, including updated TA6 forms, now require sellers to provide more detailed information earlier in the process. This front-loaded approach suits the streamlined workflow of licensed conveyancers particularly well for straightforward transactions. 

For more on how the process works, see our guide on what conveyancing is. 

Which is better for first-time buyers? 

For many first-time buyers, either option may be suitable. The key isn’t the job title, but whether your legal adviser has the experience needed for your situation. 

If your purchase involves gifted deposits, uneven contributions, or future planning around ownership shares, having access to wider legal expertise can make a real difference. For more on these scenarios, see our guides on gifted deposits from parents, splitting ownership with different contributions, and Declarations of Trust. 

How Setfords can help 

Our conveyancing team includes experienced solicitors who support first-time buyers through every stage, from offer acceptance to completion. We focus on clear advice, proactive communication, and protecting your long-term interests. 

Get your free conveyancing quote today.

What you can expect with Setfords

More time, more attention: With no targets, Setfords lawyers can dedicate more time to you.

Ultimate flexibility: Our lawyers can tailor their schedules to meet your needs.

Nationwide coverage: with hundreds of consultant lawyers across the UK, we’ll connect you with the right expert.

Dedicated specialist legal partner: work directly with your chosen lawyer from start to finish.

Highly experienced: Setfords lawyers have an average of 20 years’ experience, so you can be assured you’re in safe hands.

Capacity-based allocation: our lawyers never take on more work than they can handle, so you get the focus and attention you deserve.

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