Holden Smith Law Limited

We instructed Holden Smith (via SAM Conveyancing) for our property purchase and experienced a complete failure in basic service standards. As first-time buyers, we expected clear guidance, but were instead met with weeks of unanswered emails, vague updates, and a complete lack of urgency. Communication was so poor that the seller’s solicitor and estate agent had to contact us directly to get updates because our conveyancer was completely unresponsive. Updates routinely consisted of unannotated forwarded email chains without context, and crucial documents—like a Deed of Surrender—sat untouched for weeks, even while our handler went on leave with no active cover. We have been forced to submit a formal complaint and escalate to senior management just to get basic progress on our file. Avoid if you value transparency, efficiency, or responsive legal support.

A truly, truly frustrating experience with Abena Boateng. Communication has been extremely poor throughout this transaction and my questions and concerns were routinely dismissed. My offer was accepted six months ago and I still have no certainty as to when this purchase will complete. Months of delays and practically begging for updates that should have been provided proactively. The lack of clarity and communication has made this an unnecessarily stressful experience. I have now lodged a formal complaint with the Legal Ombudsman. Avoid this firm for your own sanity.

I found them very professional, knowledgeable and trustworthy.

Martin was very helpful and explained everything simply and completely.

The service was not satisfactory from start to finish, lost documents. Lied about contacting times for other businesses to gain correspondence. If you ring up and ask for a call back don’t expect one. Some people of the firm cannot look at a calendar and get a date correct. Lost important paperwork and then tried to blame external processing times of another company. Worst experience ever, would not recommend

The worst experience with a solicitor I have ever had. 1. It took 7 different iterations of a Completion Statement before they got it correct, they even got the MORTGAGE AMOUNT wrong, which is the most important part so I don't know how you can mess that part up. 2. Despite zero chain by both buying and seller, took years to finalise, seller's solicitors were more responsive to me, Holden Smith would avoid my calls and only respond (sporadically) via email. 3. Took too long to determine BSA status and then charged a very high fee very late on in the day which was not featured in the original quote. Which was done on purpose so that I couldn't possibly pull out in time. 4. The main solicitor assigned took too much holiday and didn't tell the seller's solicitors so there were masses of emails sitting in their inbox with nothing being done on them, before initially being replaced by a different solicitor on my case, likely due to incompetence. 5. Took over a year extra following (supposed) completion to finalise property transfer between Holden Smith and the property management company because they did not get their finances correct and failed to disclose fees for the transfer by which time the service charges had been piling up as it had been so long. Had to raise an official complaint to get them to cover the fees and after arguments, had to raise it further so that they would agree. Overall a really poor experience and could not recommend them any lower.

The worst experience with a solicitor I have ever had. 1. It took 7 different iterations of a Completion Statement before they got it correct, they even got the MORTGAGE AMOUNT wrong, which is the most important part so I don't know how you can mess that part up. 2. Despite zero chain by both buying and seller, took years to finalise, seller's solicitors were more responsive to me, Holden Smith would avoid my calls and only respond (sporadically) via email. 3. Took too long to determine BSA status and then charged a very high fee very late on in the day which was not featured in the original quote. Which was done on purpose so that I couldn't possibly pull out in time. 4. The main solicitor assigned took too much holiday and didn't tell the seller's solicitors so there were masses of emails sitting in their inbox with nothing being done on them, before initially being replaced by a different solicitor on my case, likely due to incompetence. 5. Took over a year extra following (supposed) completion to finalise property transfer between Holden Smith and the property management company because they did not get their finances correct and failed to disclose fees for the transfer by which time the service charges had been piling up as it had been so long. Had to raise an official complaint to get them to cover the fees and after arguments, had to raise it further so that they would agree. Overall a really poor experience and could not recommend them any lower.

The worst experience with a solicitor I have ever had. 1. It took 7 different iterations of a Completion Statement before they got it correct, they even got the MORTGAGE AMOUNT wrong, which is the most important part so I don't know how you can mess that part up. 2. Despite zero chain by both buying and seller, took years to finalise, seller's solicitors were more responsive to me, Holden Smith would avoid my calls and only respond (sporadically) via email. 3. Took too long to determine BSA status and then charged a very high fee very late on in the day which was not featured in the original quote. Which was done on purpose so that I couldn't possibly pull out in time. 4. The main solicitor assigned took too much holiday and didn't tell the seller's solicitors so there were masses of emails sitting in their inbox with nothing being done on them, before initially being replaced by a different solicitor on my case, likely due to incompetence. 5. Took over a year extra following (supposed) completion to finalise property transfer between Holden Smith and the property management company because they did not get their finances correct and failed to disclose fees for the transfer by which time the service charges had been piling up as it had been so long. Had to raise an official complaint to get them to cover the fees and after arguments, had to raise it further so that they would agree. Overall a really poor experience and could not recommend them any lower.

Very efficient, was kept informed all the way through the process. Thank you.

I had a very positive experience with Haider Tarique at Holden Smith during the purchase of our first home. Haider was professional, approachable and supportive throughout the conveyancing process. He kept us updated, answered our questions clearly and helped guide us through the paperwork, exchange and completion. Whenever we needed clarification or documents, he was helpful and responsive. Buying a home can be stressful, especially as a first-time buyer, but Haider helped make the process much easier and gave us reassurance at important stages. Our purchase completed successfully and we received the keys as planned. Thank you, Haider, for all your help and support. I would happily recommend him and Holden Smith to anyone buying a property.