Recent headlines about two conveyancing firms collapsing within a relatively short space of time may leave some consumers questioning whether they have chosen the right option when it comes to their transactions, and perhaps more importantly, who can actually help when something goes wrong.
While these cases are rare and appear very different in their root cause, the outcome for clients can feel alarmingly similar, with transactions thrown into uncertainty through no fault of their own.
In that context, it is easy to see how a perception might form that once conveyancing is underway, there is little a mortgage adviser can do if problems arise in this seemingly separate area. That view, while understandable, does not reflect the role advisers can, could, and perhaps, should play throughout the transaction.
Why the perception can take hold
When borrowers see stories of firms entering administration or collapsing, often with little (if any) warning, it can create the impression the process is fragile and largely outside anyone’s control.
And this is not just for issues as serious as the firm going out of business, but also for problems that just rise up naturally as part of many transaction/remortgage processes.
For those already in the middle of this, that sense of uncertainty can be heightened, particularly if they have chosen their own conveyancer and have limited visibility of what is happening behind the scenes.
When something goes wrong it can feel like events are simply unfolding beyond anyone’s reach. That lack of perceived control feeds the myth that even advisers are unable to step in or provide meaningful help. However, that assumption overlooks the difference between being involved and being absent.
The value of early involvement
An adviser who is engaged with the conveyancing process from the start is in a very different position to one who is not, because they are more likely to understand who is handling the case, how it is progressing, and whether there are any early warning signs that need to be addressed.
This does not mean advisers can prevent every issue, as no system is immune from failure, but it does mean they are far better placed to respond quickly and effectively if something does go wrong. Having an adviser already connected to the case can make a significant difference in terms of identifying solutions or alternatives and helping the client move forward.
There is also a preventative aspect that should not be ignored, as many consumers will choose a conveyancer based on limited information, often prioritising cost over service or stability, whereas an adviser can use portals such as conveybuddy and also guide their clients towards firms with a stronger track record, specialist expertise, greater ‘bandwidth’, or even more robust processes.
Support when it matters most
When problem arises, the immediate concern for clients is what happens next, and whether their transaction can still complete within the required timescales. This is where adviser involvement becomes not just helpful, but essential.
An adviser who has recommended the conveyancer or arranged the instruction through a structured platform will typically have access to points of contact, escalation routes, and support teams who understand the wider situation. That means they can help assess the options, liaise with lenders where necessary, and work to minimise disruption.
Even in cases where the adviser did not originally place the conveyancing work, their experience may still allow them to step in, provide clarity, and help the client navigate what can be a confusing and stressful situation. The reassurance that someone is taking ownership of the problem should not be underestimated, particularly when clients are already dealing with the financial and emotional pressure of a property transaction.
More than just crisis management
As mentioned, it is important to stress this is not only about extreme events such as a firm collapsing, because the same principle applies to more routine issues that may arise during conveyancing, whether that is delays, communication breakdowns, or unexpected complications with the property itself.
Advisers who are involved in the legal side of the transaction are better able to keep everything aligned, ensuring progress on the mortgage and the conveyancing moves in step, and any issues are identified and addressed before they escalate. This joined-up approach benefits the client, reduces the risk of last-minute problems, and ultimately leads to a smoother experience.
A stronger role for advisers
These extreme recent cases should not lead to a conclusion that the system is failing beyond repair, but they should prompt a more honest discussion about how transactions are managed and where advisers can add significant value.
Far from being passive participants, advisers can play a central role in helping clients avoid poor choices, maintain oversight of the process, and respond effectively when things do not go to plan. The idea that they cannot help in a conveyancing crisis does not reflect the reality of what good advisers do every day.
