What is the Conveyancing Quality Scheme and why is it important when choosing a solicitor?
Finding the right solicitor to deal with your conveyancing transaction can be a challenge. There are many firms offering this service, but it isn’t always easy to differentiate between them.
One way of doing so is to check whether the firm is accredited under the Law Society’s Conveyancing Quality Scheme.
CQS accreditation gives consumers independent reassurance about standards, reliability, and lender recognition when buying or selling property in England and Wales. Here’s what it means in practical terms.
1. CQS accreditation shows the firm meets recognised professional standards
CQS accreditation is awarded by the Law Society and is generally recognised as the gold standard for residential conveyancing practices.
CQS demonstrates that the firm can provide residential conveyancing advice of the level expected by clients, lenders and the wider residential conveyancing community.
To be accredited under the scheme, firms must:
- follow conveyancing protocols and specified quality standards
- demonstrate good risk management
- provide transparent costs information
- maintain supervision and training
- comply with strict client-care requirements
2. Many mortgage lenders require firms to be CQS accredited
Most major UK lenders recognise CQS as a quality benchmark. In practice, usung a firm that is accredited means:
- avoiding delays in getting your solicitor accepted onto lender panels
- smoother coordination between the solicitor and the lender
- less risk of needing to switch firms mid-transaction
That can save both time and money.
3. It signals specialist expertise in residential conveyancing
CQS is specific to conveyancing. Accredited firms must show they are experienced in handling residential transactions and keep up with regulatory changes.
By instructing solicitors who are accredited under the Law Society’s Conveyancing Quality Scheme, you are assured that the firm specialises in conveyancing.
4. It offers protection against fraud
Property transactions are a known target for fraud. CQS firms are required to follow enhanced anti-fraud safeguards, including:
- identity verification procedures
- secure handling of funds
- anti-money-laundering compliance
- transaction monitoring standards
Again, this offers consumers peace of mind during the transaction.
5. It signifies higher standards of client care
CQS requires firms to offer the very highest standards of client care expectations.
Accredited firms will:
- explain the steps in the conveyancing process clearly
- tell you what the legal costs will be
- keep you informed of progress in the transaction
- work in line with the quality standards of the Law Society’s CQS
- treat you fairly
- be polite and professional
- respond promptly to enquiries
- tell you about any problems as soon as they are aware of them
- ask for your feedback
Slee Blackwell’s conveyancing team is here to help with your sale or purchase
Our team is accredited under the Law Society’s Conveyancing Quality Scheme. We also have Lexcel accreditation from the Law Society for excellence in client care.
This means that when you choose us to deal with your transaction, you can be confident of receiving:
- the highest quality standards
- smoother lender interaction
- specialist conveyancing experience
- stronger fraud safeguards
- excellent communication
