Knowing Your lawyer: why UK qualification matters in property transactions 

  When you instruct a lawyer, you place a huge amount of trust in them, especially when they are recommended to you by an agent or intermediary.  

You expect them to be experts in the area; properly trained and regulated to advise you. Most clients assume this is a given, but this isn’t always the case. It might sound obvious, but as a global team, we have noticed that not everyone realises that for UK property transactions, you need a UK-qualified lawyer. 

Solicitors vs the rest 

Some agents and intermediaries we’ve dealt with were surprised to learn that individuals they’ve recommended to clients turned out not to be solicitors. Titles such as “legal manager” or “case handler” can be a red flag. They might mean that the person isn’t a solicitor or isn’t qualified in the relevant jurisdiction, i.e. England and Wales to give UK property legal advice.  

Non-UK solicitors may be skilled,but they’re not authorised to provide the same services, and the service they do provide won’t carry the cast-iron guarantees that come with the regulatory framework which applies to UK qualified solicitors.  

Why due diligence matters 

For UK property matters, whether you’re a client seeking legal guidance or an intermediary making a recommendation, a few basic checks can provide clarity and peace of mind: 

1. Confirm their qualification and regulator 

In England and Wales, solicitors are regulated by the Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA). Checking their status on the SRA website takes seconds and confirms: 

• If they’re a solicitor 

• If they’ve got a valid practicing certificate  

• If they’ve got any red flags in their regulatory history 

This single step protects clients from relying on someone who may not be UK qualified to advise on one of the biggest financial decisions in their lives,buying a property. 

2. Understand the value and protections behind the legal fees 

Legal fees, particularly at the premium end of the market, should reflect the experience, training, and accountability of the lawyer involved. 

If you pay a solicitor-level fee but the work is carried out by someone who isn’t a solicitor, the value is diminished. If things go wrong, you may have no recourse through the SRA, no access to the Legal Ombudsman, and no protection under the mandatory insurance arrangements that apply to solicitors.  

If you’re paying for a premium service, you expect the skills to match. Imagine ordering high-end sushi from a well-known restaurant, only to find out it was prepared in a completely different kitchen by someone trained in a different cuisine. The food might be fine, but it’s not what you believed you were paying for.Legal work is no different. Authenticity and qualification matter.  

3. Ensure clarity when referring clients to legal advisors 

Many agents work in fast-moving, relationship-led environments. It’s easy to assume that someone with a legal-sounding job title at a large firm is a solicitor. That assumption can lead to reputational damage if your client later discovers that the adviser isn’t a solicitor or isn’t UK qualified.  

Carrying out light-touch checks before making a referral shows and helps preserve trust throughout the transaction. 

How clients and agents can protect themselves 

A few steps go a long way: 

• Check the SRA website before you engage or recommend anyone for UK property work. 

• Ask who will actually be doing the work. 

• Take extra care with non-UK qualified advisors. Find out who regulates them, and what your consumer protection rights are. 

How can our team help you with your UK property matters?   

Contact one of our team to find out more about how we can support you, with your matter, or with finding the right advice for you. Feel free to contact: So Yung Wong (Hong Kong), Kamran Rahman (London, UK) or Hannah Beko (Manchester, UK).