Don't bother going local. Proximity has no effect.
The advantage of going local is that you can drop off signed original documents in person on exchange day when they lose the ones you posted a week before. Ask me how I know...
By another measure using a remote agent where the company is working for your buyer/seller can also speed the process as the middle leg of any journey is a walk across the office.
Don't bother going local. Proximity has no effect.
Search this thread for recommendations, or use personal recommendations you trust. Don't use mortgage brokers recommendations.
Shit (or overloaded) property solicitors are fucking awful, they eat up your time, can put your sale/purchase at risk, and put you at risk.