Last week a report from the HomeOwners Alliance revealed that Estate Agent fees are more than 50% higher than those charged by lawyers, while the level of such fees are often not transparent or easy to access.
Eddie Goldsmith, Goldsmith Williams senior partner, responded to this negative coverage.
He said: “In contrast with this conveyancing has undergone a quiet revolution.
“Whilst commentators have noted that the hourly rate for Estate Agents is 50% higher than lawyers they haven’t highlighted that now many conveyancers offer fixed fees and a full quote at the point of instruction giving clients certainty over their charges.
“Moreover, at the heart of the conveyancing transaction is a highly qualified and skilled professional securing legal title upon what, for most people, is their single biggest purchase and greatest lifetime asset – that’s something worth paying for!”
It was added that recent initiatives such as the Conveyancing Association Protocols and the Law Society’s launch of the Conveyancing Portal demonstrates an industry focused on streamlining their services to improve delivery.
Goldsmith added: “Brokers can be confident when recommending the services of a conveyancing firm that they are directing their clients to a service delivered by professionally qualified specialists and guided by industry bodies who are driving initiatives to speed up processes, deliver continuous improvements and increase value for money.”
