Failure to advise clients appropriately, delays and poor information regarding costs were the main drivers of conveyancing related complaints to the scheme.
The Ombudsman said it resolved around 7,500 complaints in England and Wales in the last financial year and has advised clients to contact the scheme after speaking with their lawyer in the first instance should a legal issue arise.
Conveyancing lawyers are able to help clients to check planning permissions, advise on any ongoing financial obligations that come with a property and raise queries with the seller about matters such as boundary responsibilities. Building and structural issues are generally not in the remit of conveyancing lawyers, the Ombudsman said.
The Ombudsman has just issued new guidance for first-time buyers explaining what clients should look for when using a conveyancing lawyer to ensure the legal aspect of moving home runs smoothly.
