In our weekly legal column, the Leader, with the expert advice of the team at GHP Legal, sets out to answer some of your problems. Today's question is answered by senior solicitor Michael Ogden...

Do I have to use the developer's recommended solicitor for conveyancing?

Q: We are buying our first home together, which is a new build. The on-site salesperson has recommended we use a particular conveyancing solicitor who she says they work closely with. She says this will ensure things go more smoothly and the process is likely to be cheaper. Do we have to go with the developer's solicitor?

A: Firstly, do not feel pressured by the developer! It is common practice these days for developers to try and push buyers into using a 'preferred' solicitor, whilst in actual fact it is entirely up to you which solicitor you use. Buyers who do use the developer's solicitor often find themselves paying more than if they had used a local solicitor, and because a local firm is more easily accessible they are likely to provide a better service.

Developers' sales teams often recommend a solicitor based on the level of commission they can look forward to, rather than on the standard of service they will provide the buyer. And with the promise of referral fees they may even throw an incentive your way to persuade you to go with their recommendation. In reality, however, you are the one likely to be indirectly paying those fees through higher conveyancing costs.

Whichever solicitor you use will be handling large amounts of your money and should be acting in your best interests throughout the conveyancing process. So, research the market and study client reviews before making a decision about which solicitor to use. Do not make a spilt second decision about something so important in a pressured sales environment!

New build conveyancing can often be more complex than other forms of conveyancing, so go with a highly experienced firm of local solicitors who are experts at navigating issues such as non-compliance with planning regulations, failure to arrange inspections, and problems with sewers and roads that often crop up with new developments.

• This question has been answered by Michael Ogden, a senior solicitor with GHP Legal. If you would like to speak to someone about this or any other legal matter, please visit our website www.ghplegal.com and use the contact us form, or call us on: Wrexham 01978 291456, Llangollen 01978 860313, Oswestry 01691 659194.