I found this article at fridaysmove about the importance of a conveyancing solicitor

I'm just wondering if it really is that necessary to get a conveyancing solicitor to handle my move, or whether it's just another company trying to harangue me into buying something I don't need!

It is very important to use solicitor. For most people house purchase is the most expensive purchase they will ever make and it is not to be taken lightly. Law of land is a very complicated and very specialist area. There are far too many isuues to take into account. Property can be freehold, leasehold, can be subject to easements, covenants and can be subject to third party rights. Solicitor will conduct various seraches in special registers to establish if there are any problems with the property title, lease, rights of way, which may affect property saleability. If you need a mortgage, it is very unlikely that any lender will allow you to do your own conveyancing, it is far too risky and complicated. In any case conveyancing should be done by a professional solicitor to avoid very costly mistakes. However, you don't need to use your local solicitor, you can use any solicitor if property located in England or Wales, but you should find a scottish lawyer if property is located in Scotland. Have a look here, you can make a no obligation conveyancing quote here http://www.e1buytoletmortgages.co.uk/conve...y-services.html.

I agree that its important and your lender (if you have one) may not be very happy to risk a lot of money if you are not legally represented. Lenders would often instruct the same conveyncer to represent their interest.