Fact 19. Do I have to visit my solicitor or conveyancer?

Modern conveyancing is more convenient and everything can be done remotely. And local conveyancers can support clients who need the personal touch.

In the past, moving home almost always involved several face-to-face meetings with a solicitor, signing physical documents, and exchanging papers in person. Many clients would book time off work to visit their solicitor’s office, bringing original documents and identification, and waiting several weeks for everything to be processed through the post. Fast forward to today, and the process looks very different. With online identity checks, digital signatures, and secure document exchange, the vast majority of property transactions in England can be managed completely remotely.

Modern conveyancing has evolved around convenience, speed, and flexibility. Whether you are buying, selling, or remortgaging your home, most of the legal work can now be handled through email, telephone, and online platforms. In fact, the need to physically visit your conveyancer has become rare for most straightforward transactions. That said, there are still some cases where meeting in person can be helpful, especially if you want local advice or have a complex matter that benefits from a personal discussion.

Below we explain how remote conveyancing works, the advantages it offers, and why many clients still value the supportive presence of a local conveyancer who understands their area.

The rise of remote conveyancing

The conveyancing process involves checking ownership of property, investigating boundaries and rights, conducting searches, preparing contracts, exchanging, and completing the transfer of the property. None of these steps legally require the buyer or seller to meet their conveyancer face to face. With secure electronic systems in place, almost all the communication and document handling can be done digitally.

As technology has developed, law firms and licensed conveyancers have introduced several tools to make this possible:

- Online ID verification: Most conveyancers now use digital identity systems that allow clients to upload photographs and passport details securely, often verified within minutes.

- Electronic signatures: Many documents, such as authority forms or client care letters, can be signed digitally.

- Online bank transfers: Payments of deposits, fees, and final completion balances are made instantly by online banking, with in-office cheques now a thing of the past.

- Secure portals: Some firms provide a client portal where you can log in to check progress, upload documents, and receive updates in real time.

- Video calls and phone communication: Initial instructions, updates, and discussions about property matters can easily be handled over the phone or through video conference if needed.

Remote conveyancing allows firms to efficiently handle property transactions across England and Wales without geographical limits, making the process much faster and more convenient for clients.

Why you don’t normally need to visit your conveyancer

For most people, the entire process can be completed from the comfort of their home. Once you’ve instructed your conveyancer, they will send you electronic versions of the key forms you need to complete, such as the client care letter, property information forms, and fittings lists. These can often be filled in and returned electronically. Searches and land registry checks are carried out online, and mortgage lenders work directly with your conveyancer using secure electronic systems.

Conveyancers also receive updates and legal documentation from the other party’s solicitor digitally. Contracts can be sent by email, checked electronically, and exchanged by agreement on the phone. Even completion day payments are transferred electronically, so there is no need to attend the office to collect or hand over cheques.

The only times a physical meeting might still be requested are:

- If the firm’s ID check system cannot verify your identification remotely

- If you need to sign mortgage deeds or statutory declarations in wet ink (this can usually be posted instead)

- If you prefer to discuss your case in person, especially for high-value or complex transactions

Otherwise, an entire property sale or purchase can go smoothly from start to finish remotely.

Benefits of remote conveyancing

Convenience is the most obvious advantage. Being able to manage everything remotely means you can fit the process around your daily schedule, whether you work full time, live abroad, or are moving from another region. Many clients find that a purely digital process drastically cuts down on delays caused by postal timings or appointment availability.

Other key benefits include:

- Time savings: Documents can be reviewed and signed within minutes instead of waiting for them to arrive by post.

- Cost efficiency: There’s no need to travel, take time off work, or post original papers at extra cost.

- Speed of communication: Queries and updates are shared instantly by email or phone.

- Security: Digital ID systems and encrypted portals offer secure channels for sharing sensitive information.

- National coverage: You can choose a conveyancer anywhere in the country without being limited by distance.

Remote work also allows conveyancers to serve more clients efficiently, often resulting in lower administrative costs and client fees.

Local support still matters

Even though conveyancing can be completed entirely online, there are still strong reasons clients might choose a local conveyancer. The main benefit is personal reassurance. Buying a home is one of the largest decisions people make, and many clients prefer to know they have someone nearby if needed. A local conveyancer can offer that familiarity and trust, with the option for face-to-face meetings when desired.

Local conveyancers often know the regional property market well. They understand the nuances of the area, such as flood zones, mining histories, or unique local authority processes that might affect searches or completion times. They may have long-standing relationships with local estate agents, surveyors, and lenders, helping transactions proceed more smoothly.

For example, a local firm in Somerset may already know particular estate agents in Yeovil, Bridgwater, or Langport and can quickly resolve small communication issues that might otherwise create delays. A local conveyancer can also guide you through any local-specific matters, such as planning restrictions common in rural areas or shared access rights on older properties.

Even if you choose to manage everything remotely, having a local base nearby gives peace of mind that you can step in for a personal appointment if needed. It’s a blend of convenience and community connection.

Balancing convenience and personal service

Some clients like to mix both approaches: completing most of the process remotely but visiting the office once or twice to go over documents or ask in-depth questions. This is perfectly normal and easy to arrange. Conveyancers are used to adapting to each client’s preference. For example, first-time buyers might want a more hands-on approach, whereas experienced landlords often prefer fully remote transactions.

Modern conveyancers use flexible systems to balance both needs. A client who wants direct interaction can still expect traditional communication by appointment, while those who prefer fast digital updates can manage the entire process online without compromise. The focus remains on ensuring transparent communication and stress-free progress regardless of distance.

At Always Conveyancing, we go out to clients who have difficulty getting out and need us to visit them at home. We always give the option to have documents on paper instead of electronically.

Misconceptions about online conveyancing

A common misconception is that “online conveyancing” means dealing with an automated website instead of qualified legal professionals. In reality, online or remote conveyancing simply refers to the use of digital communication methods. The legal process and professional oversight remain exactly the same. You’ll still have a dedicated conveyancer managing your file, providing advice, and ensuring all legal obligations are met.

The qualifications, professional insurance, and regulatory requirements are identical, whether you visit the office in person or communicate exclusively online. All conveyancing firms in England must operate under the Solicitors Regulation Authority or the Council for Licensed Conveyancers, ensuring client protection and quality standards.

Remote processes are not less secure either. Modern systems use two-step verification, encrypted file storage, and secure communication channels. In many cases, these are safer than traditional paper-based systems that relied on physical handovers and postal correspondence.

International and national clients

Remote conveyancing has also opened doors for international buyers and sellers. Property investors based abroad can now handle UK transactions entirely from overseas, without visiting the country. This is particularly important for those selling a property after relocation or purchasing as an investment. As long as identification can be verified and documents signed in accordance with UK legal standards, the conveyancing process proceeds in the same way.

Even clients moving from other parts of the UK find remote systems invaluable. Someone relocating from London to Somerset, for example, might instruct a Somerset-based conveyancer for convenience and local expertise, while continuing to manage everything digitally until completion.

Future trends in conveyancing accessibility

The transformation of conveyancing into a digital-first service is set to deepen further in the coming years. The Land Registry is continuing to expand the use of electronic signatures and digital deeds, aiming for full online conveyancing workflows. Mortgage lenders are also integrating more seamlessly with solicitors’ digital systems, reducing manual form entries and cutting average transaction times.

Expect more conveyancers to provide interactive online dashboards where you can see every stage of your transaction in real time. Video call updates and mobile app document uploads are likely to become standard expectations. While some buyers and sellers will always prefer the local handshake and face-to-face reassurance, most transactions will continue to move toward a paperless, remote-first environment.

Practical tips when choosing a conveyancer

When deciding between a remote or local conveyancer, consider these key points:

- Check that the firm is regulated by CILEX, SRA or CLC and that it carries appropriate indemnity insurance.

- Ask whether the firm offers remote ID checks, digital signatures, and secure client portals.

- Find out how updates will be delivered — by email, phone, or online tracker.

- If face-to-face support is important, choose a local firm that welcomes in-person appointments.

- Make sure all fees are clearly outlined upfront, including search costs and electronic transfer charges.

Ultimately, the right conveyancer is one who balances effective communication, transparency, and accessibility.