I used Unsworth Rose Solicitors when I bought the freehold on my place, from a recommendation from one of my neighbours doing the same.
Not sure just how 'local' you're thinking - Unsworth Rose are in Primrose Hill - but they're a small firm, and I was very happy with their work (a large part of which was continually pestering LBI's in-house solicitor to pull his/her finger out).
A friend of mine works for Wedlake Bell. I think they do commercial and top end property conveyancy, but she's very good and happy pass her on as a referral.
Try Oxley and Coward based in South Yorkshire. Yes, I said S. Yorks! They are a major firm and there is no reason why they cant do work in London - its all done online so location is irrlevant unless you have some very specific issue where they need to look at the house obviously. They will be a lot cheaper than london solicitors and they are a long established professional outfit. I have used them previously twice in London via a recommendation.
My experience (during 8 years as an Estate Agent) is that solicitors outside London, particularly large call-centre-type operations, are very often those who cause the problems that delay and often ruin property transactions. Sorry if I sound negative but I have dealt with hundreds of sales and seen it happen many times. I would always recommend you use a local (or at least London) solicitor, especially if you are looking to buy the Freehold - this is a process which is much less common outside London and many non-London solicitors will have less knowledge on the subject than your Freeholder - not good!
Thanks for all the tips and advice - its appreciated.
We used a solicitor in Manchester when we bought our flat, and I must admit that I would have been more comfortable with someone closer, just for the 'local' issues, although in the end he did an alright job, I wasn't keen to use him again.
I used Chris Brierley at Fahri Jacobs in Crouch End - very good (bit of a talker) but extremely helpful and no bullshit (which is always appreciated!).
David Garfinkel! Is he still around? I used him about 15 years ago, when he was in Blackstock Rd - lovely man, terrifyingly messy office with files in heaps everywhere (and I speak as a very messy person here), but he always seemed to know what he was doing ...
I used Chris from Fahri Jacob as well and can definitely recommend him, I was a very naive first time buyer and he helped steer me through the whole process.
Comments
Not sure just how 'local' you're thinking - Unsworth Rose are in Primrose Hill - but they're a small firm, and I was very happy with their work (a large part of which was continually pestering LBI's in-house solicitor to pull his/her finger out).
We used a solicitor in Manchester when we bought our flat, and I must admit that I would have been more comfortable with someone closer, just for the 'local' issues, although in the end he did an alright job, I wasn't keen to use him again.