This page is for licensed conveyancer career advice for those looking to study and work in the UK.
What does a Licensed Conveyancer do?
Licensed conveyancers are qualified legal professionals who focus on the legalities surrounding buying and selling property. A licensed conveyancer will ensure that all documentation, contracts and financial arrangements associated with buying or selling a property are in order.
Many licensed conveyancers have already trained and worked as a solicitor or legal executive, but this is not a requirement.
Day-to-day tasks
On a day-to-day basis, a licensed conveyancer is likely to carry out tasks such as:
- Meeting clients who wish to buy or sell property and advising them on legal matters associated with it
- Advising on the content and implications of legal documents
- Carrying out research on property matters such as legal ownership
- Researching planned property changes and developments
- Drawing up contracts and other legal documents
- Liaising with professionals such as mortgage lenders and estate agents
- Dealing with the financial issues surrounding buying and selling property
Licensed conveyancer training and qualifications
To practise as a licensed conveyancer, you must pass exams set by the Council for Licensed Conveyancers (CLC) and carry out a specified amount of practical work. Once this is complete, you’ll get a ‘limited licence’.
Even solicitors who specialise in conveyancing must become licenced by the CLC.
After three years employed in the field, you will get a full licence. At this stage, you’re eligible to set up your own conveyancing firm if you choose to do so.
All licensed conveyancers, whatever licence they have, are required to undertake ongoing continuing professional development (CPD). Those with a limited licence must undertake six hours a year, whilst full licence holders are required to do 12 hours CPD a year.
Key skills
The following skills and attributes will help you succeed as a licensed conveyancer:
- Excellent verbal and written communication skills
- A calm temperament and the ability to stay calm under pressure
- A high level of accuracy and meticulous attention to detail
- Tact, diplomacy and discretion
- Sound research skills and good problem-solving abilities
- Maths skills
- IT competency
Most licensed conveyancers work within firms of solicitors, licensed conveyancers or property lawyers. However, opportunities also exist in other areas, for example:
- Banks
- Building societies
- Councils
- Property firms
Licensed conveyancer salary
A licensed conveyancer salary will vary based on location, experience, and the size of the firm they work for. Here’s a general overview of the typical salary ranges:
Newly Qualified Licensed Conveyancers
- Starting Salary: For those just qualified, the typical starting salary ranges from £20,000 to £25,000 annually. In some regions or smaller firms, this could start a bit lower.
Experienced Licensed Conveyancers
- Mid-Level Experience: With a few years of experience, licensed conveyancers can expect to earn between £25,000 and £35,000. Those who have developed a strong reputation or work in busier markets may earn more.
- Senior-Level Experience: Experienced licensed conveyancers, particularly those who take on managerial roles or work in larger city firms, can earn between £35,000 and £60,000. Those in high-demand areas or who manage large teams or portfolios might earn even more.
Average Salaries Across the UK
- Overall Average: The overall average salary for licensed conveyancers in the UK is generally around £30,000 to £40,000. Salaries in London and other major cities tend to be higher due to the higher cost of living and the complexity and volume of transactions.
These figures provide a rough guide and can fluctuate based on market demand, the economic climate, and specific employment settings.
Some experienced licensed conveyancers go on to set up their own conveyancing practices.