Hi there, has anybody got any experince of using their estate agents solicitors for conveyancing?
Im actually really reluctant to do this becuase of the high fees but i have my eye on a property already and we would all have the same estate agent and solicitor, i assume this will speed things up???
Thanks

I've heard of some estate agents saying that they have their own solicitors but when I last moved and looked into this (2yrs ago) it actually just turned out to be a referral agreement. i.e. the agent refers the work to an independent firm of solicitors (who the agents no doubt trust and work with a lot) but add on their own mark up. That might explain why the price they are quoting to you appears high.

I'd ask for more details about who these solicitors are and ask whether they are properly legally qualified as the last thing you want is for them to pass you on to some call centre with unqualified staff especially if you are paying a high price.

Might work out well if the agent and the solicitor are in regular contact/share an office etc as good communications between solicitor and agent definitely speed up the transactions. Just be sure you know who you are dealing with before going with them.

I would have though it is not advisable to have the same solicitor as the vendor/seller, as there could be conflict of interest?

I agree and solicitors are not allowed to act for both seller and buyer (unless for example a transfer between members of the same family where both parties agree). Only dmarie or only the other party could use the estate agents solicitor. Maybe the estate agent has more than one firm of solicitors it calls its own?

The Estate Agents are Blacks Solicitors based in Leeds and the property I am interested in use the same Estate Agents that I am with and thier solicitors too so I assume we can all use the same firm.

Anyway, I think having had the opportunity to write it down here has put some light to the situation and I have decided to get my own solicitor and pay for the Estate Agents HIP, I know its more expensive than getting my own online one but I know they will be quick-sharp because they want me on the market asap because I want to make an offer on one of their properties.

After comparing quotes, their solicitors were 6-700 more expensive!!

Thanks