-
I think it's a consequence of the nature of the market though isn't it? They get paid very little for legal work - really hard to see how it is profitable for resi conveyancers if they spend as long on each house as the buyer / seller would like. It's likely to be what - a couple of grand max? That doesn't buy a lot of legal hours to analyse and advise on stuff.
Fwiw I've used the same firm for two purchases and one sale and other than a couple of moments where they weren't available when we wanted, have no complaints
andyfallsoff-
Very much this.
Compared to estate agents and mortgage brokers and also other aspects of legal work they charge way too little.
Most of the time they also get paid even if the sale/purchase doesn’t complete so their financial incentive is lower and ability to staff up properly lower too.
There are good ones out there, but it’s a definite minority.
-
I’m being part antagonistic. We used a decent solicitor for our last purchase and they did help drive things forward from our side. That only went so far and you are always at the mercy of others in the chain. I don’t doubt you’re correct about nature of the market, but a sceptical/frustrated mind might put 2 and 2 together and think it is linked with hourly rate fees as opposed to EA’s who everyone knows are actively looking to drive things forward for their % fee. Much of the house buying process in England is wrong in general and promotes general shithousery behaviour from all.
From a re-mortgaging side, our current provider (Nationwide) insisted on the conveyancing solicitor we used and they were beyond painful, not much you can do in that situation other than grit your teeth and bemoan them to internet buddies.
Hefty
EstelleGetty
Shit cunts of the highest order. Estate agents get a bad rep, but property solicitors far surpass them.