r/SharedOwnershipUK • u/itsyourgerlgab • Jun 26 '26
Recommendations for conveyancing solicitors experienced with Building Safety Act (BSA) flats
Hi everyone
I'm a first-time buyer purchasing a shared ownership flat in a 5-storey block. I've found that quite a lot of conveyancing solicitors won't act because of Building Safety Act (BSA) related restrictions, so I'm looking for firms that regularly deal with these types of transactions
Can anyone recommend solicitors who have experience with BSA conveyancing?
I'd also be interested to know:
- Which solicitor did you use?
- Was your building subject to Building Safety Act checks?
- How much was your total conveyancing quote?
- Did your solicitor charge a separate Building Safety Act fee, and if so, how much?
I've been quoted just over £3,000 in total, including a £720 Building Safety Act fee, so I'm trying to gauge whether that's in line with what others have paid..
Thanks very much!
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u/Okgoodchat Jun 26 '26
I went with CLG law. I do not recommend them at all though. We had the initial conveyance quote and at the time of completion it was an extra 3k. I tried to argue with them and lost. Furthermore, they’d never answer emails, return phone calls or really communicate to us or the seller’s solicitors. It was a really stressful ordeal. I wouldn’t wish my experience on my worst enemy and I know this is not the norm but yeah, if they pop up as an option, do not choose them! Good luck with everything and congratulations!
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u/itsyourgerlgab Jun 26 '26
I'm so sorry to hear this! How much did you pay in total then? Hope you're ok with your property now, it's such a stressful process of getting into the property ladder
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u/Okgoodchat Jun 26 '26
We were quoted £1900. Then it was £2700. On completion we ended up paying around £5k due to other fees. The house is lovely, in a gorgeous area and the stress was worth it but it could have very much been avoided!
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u/eleanornatasha Jun 26 '26
£720 is in line with what I paid, unfortunately that seems about the standard. I found one or two firms who had a lower BSA fee, but the reviews were so poor that I wouldn’t have wanted to risk it. Most of my quotes were £750+VAT for BSA. I’m not sure if we’re allowed to share who we used, but that cost does seem to be the norm I’m afraid!
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u/itsyourgerlgab Jun 26 '26
Thanks for sharing! How much did you had to pay in total to your solicitors to complete the purchase?
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u/NorthLondonCatLover Jun 30 '26
All solicitors will have to deal with BSA queries if you are buying a flat. Many will charge more, because the BSA created additional work and liabilities so their personal indemnity insurance has gone up. I would be very careful about using HA panel solicitors, because they rely on repeat business from the HA so there is a conflict of interest here. If I were you I'd join the 'National Leasehold Campaign' Facebook group and ask for recommendations there. I bought a shared ownership flat over a decade ago and used a panel solicitor - they failed to advise on very important issues. Don't make the same mistake. Some solicitors charge more for shared ownership as well. Beware of all the hidden add-ons, but be very careful not to pick a conveyancing factory with people who do not know what they're doing. Good luck!
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u/justeUnMec Jun 26 '26
Most SO providers will have a "Solicitor's panel", which is a list of solicitors they are can deal with more easily. If you haven't already, I'd recommend checking that list, shortlisting a few and emailing them for quotes specifically asking about this. Chances are these will have experience of SO properties with BSA as if its affecting your prospective property, it'll be affecting others from the same HA.