What Is the Conveyancing Quality Scheme?
The Conveyancing Quality Scheme (CQS) is a recognised quality standard for residential conveyancing practices...- 13 January 2026
Posted: 13 January 2026
The Conveyancing Quality Scheme (CQS) is a recognised quality standard for residential conveyancing practices in England and Wales. It is designed to raise standards, improve consistency, and give clients greater confidence when choosing a solicitor.
This guide explains what the Conveyancing Quality Scheme is, how it operates, and what it means for people moving home.
The Conveyancing Quality Scheme is operated by The Law Society of England and Wales. It was introduced to establish a single, trusted benchmark for residential conveyancing services.
To achieve and maintain accreditation, firms must:
Accredited firms are reviewed regularly and must continue to meet the scheme’s required practice standards. Accreditation is subject to renewal and ongoing assessment.
Using a solicitor accredited under the Conveyancing Quality Scheme provides reassurance throughout a property transaction. It shows that the firm has been assessed against recognised standards for managing risk, handling files, and delivering client care.
At our firm, Conveyancing Quality Scheme principles shape how we work from the outset. When a client instructs us, we confirm the scope of work, likely timescales, and costs in writing, and allocate a dedicated conveyancer so the client knows who to contact at every stage.
CQS firms must explain the conveyancing process, likely timescales, costs, and key legal issues in clear and understandable terms. In practice, we provide plain-English guidance at key stages, including making an offer, reviewing the contract pack, addressing mortgage conditions, and preparing for exchange and completion.
Accredited firms follow an agreed procedure for each transaction, supported by file management and risk management systems. Our internal checklists and supervision arrangements help ensure that essential steps such as searches, enquiries, reporting, and signing arrangements are handled consistently, whether you are buying, selling, or remortgaging.
The Conveyancing Quality Scheme was developed in consultation with mortgage lenders to promote reliable and standardised conveyancing practices. Many lenders prefer, or require, firms on their conveyancing panels to hold QCS accreditation, although each lender applies its own criteria.
The Conveyancing Quality Scheme places particular emphasis on verifying client identity, documenting instructions, and maintaining secure file and financial controls. We combine these scheme requirements with our own safeguards, including strict rules around bank details, verification checks, and monitoring unusual transaction activity.
Firms must continue to meet Conveyancing Quality Scheme requirements through re-accreditation and may be subject to further assessment. Internally, we carry out regular file reviews, staff training updates, and process audits to ensure our conveyancing service remains aligned with both scheme standards and current legal requirements.
The scheme was created to address common problems within residential conveyancing, including:
By introducing a national standard, the Conveyancing Quality Scheme aims to improve public confidence in the home-moving process.
Accreditation under the Conveyancing Quality Scheme does not guarantee that a property transaction will complete more quickly. Timescales depend on factors such as property chains, mortgage lenders, search providers, and third parties.
However, firms accredited under the Conveyancing Quality Scheme are required to work efficiently, communicate clearly, and follow a structured process, which can help reduce avoidable delays.
The Law Society provides an up‑to‑date list of firms accredited under the Conveyancing Quality Scheme through its public “Find a Solicitor” service. You can search by firm name or location and filter by Conveyancing Quality Scheme to confirm a solicitor’s accreditation status before instructing them.
If you have any questions about our Conveyancing Quality Scheme accreditation, our team is happy to explain what it means in practical terms for your transaction.
Accreditation under the Conveyancing Quality Scheme does not guarantee that a property transaction will complete more quickly. Timescales depend on factors such as property chains, mortgage lenders, search providers, and third parties.
However, firms accredited under the Conveyancing Quality Scheme are required to work efficiently, communicate clearly, and follow a structured process, which can help reduce avoidable delays.
Our residential property solicitors guide clients through every stage of the conveyancing process, in line with the Conveyancing Quality Scheme standards. Whether you are buying or selling a home, we offer clear advice, regular updates, and practical support tailored to your circumstances and the local property market.
If you need support with your property transaction, speak with one of our conveyancing solicitors.
Call our Chelmsford Office on 01245 493959, our Shoeburyness Office on 01702 298 282 or our our Witham Office on 01376 513491, or send an email.
- 13 January 2026
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