Why Estate Agents and Lawyers can (and should) work well together

A freehold residential conveyancing transaction will typically take between eight to ten weeks to reach completion; starting from when contract documentation has been issued to the eventual exchange of contracts. The length of a residential conveyancing transaction will often depend upon a variety of factors and effective progression through key stages.

A survey conducted by Compare My Move in May 2025 ranked moving home as one of life’s most stressful events or experiences. It is important for all parties involved with the residential conveyancing transaction to work together to ensure progress in a timely, smooth and efficient manner. An effective relationship between Estate Agents and Lawyers can help significantly reduce the stress experienced.

Why do Estate Agents and Lawyers work together?

Estate Agents and Lawyers work together as part of the residential conveyancing process. Each play different but connected roles in the same transaction:

• Estate Agents are responsible for marketing a property, arranging viewings, negotiating offers and confirming the eventual deal to sell or purchase a property. An Estate Agent will often also be responsible for managing (progressing) the sale once an offer has been agreed, keeping all parties informed and helping the transaction progress smoothly.
• Lawyers are responsible for the subsequent legal formalities, due diligence and administrative process involved in buying or selling a home. Lawyers will also be responsible for the legal transfer of property ownership and ensure that the transaction is in the client’s best interests at every stage of the process.

How can Estate Agents and Lawyers work together?

Estate Agents and Lawyers will:

• Share updates at key stages of the conveyancing process
• Coordinate the chain together and relay vital information to all relevant parties
• Aim to resolve practical issues for mutual clients quickly and efficiently
• Minimise delays and misunderstandings through effective communication

How does a positive relationship between Estate Agent and Solicitor benefit me?

It can be incredibly frustrating for clients to feel “left out” or confused by aspects of the residential conveyancing process and this can be a large source of stress. A positive relationship between an Estate Agent and Lawyer can help primarily by improving communication, efficiency, and managing expectations.

• Estate Agents and Lawyers that keep in regular contact with a good working relationship can make it far easier for regular accurate updates to be shared with clients. This can help avoid any potential misunderstandings or frustrations and help clients feel more secure or supported during the residential conveyancing process.

• Estate Agents and Lawyers that maintain regular contact with each other can assist in being able to establish trust, expectations and timescales in a clear manner. Both parties can help explain each other’s role in the residential conveyancing process and manage expectations of timeframes based on regular and clear updates.

Should I use the Lawyer recommended by my Estate Agent?

Estate Agents and Lawyers both operate in a service industry that focuses on expertise and builds success based upon customer experiences. Good Estate Agents will usually recommend a Lawyer for service-based reasons based on proven reliability, efficient communication and experience.

You may be aware that some Lawyers will pay a “referral fee” to Estate Agents in return for each client that has been successfully recommended to use their services, and this fee can range between £100.00 to £300.00 per transaction. This can prompt some Estate Agents to recommend a Lawyer based on the fee they’re being paid, rather than the quality of the Lawyer. 

You are not required to use a Lawyer that has been recommended by your Estate Agent and it is against the Property Ombudsman’s Code of Practice for Estate Agents to make it conditional that you must use a recommended service as a pre-condition for buying or selling.  

When being recommended any service (Lawyer, Mortgage Broker, Insurance etc) it’s always prudent to ask if a referral fee is being paid, and to take this into account when making a decision on who to use.

Pinney Talfourd is proud to confirm that we do not pay referral fees to Estate Agents and all recommendations for our services will be based upon our proven reliability and commitment to excellence in all aspects of our work.

The residential conveyancing team here at Pinney Talfourd will work proactively to progress your matter effectively and efficiently. We aim to keep all clients, Estate Agents, Mortgage Brokers and other Lawyers fully informed throughout the entire process to ensure a smooth transaction.

We currently boast an “Excellent” TrustScore of 4.8/5 on TrustPilot based on 358 previous reviews across our offices and are here to guide and assist clients throughout the buying and selling process.

How Pinney Talfourd can help?

If you are buying or selling a property and would like clear, proactive legal support from a team that works collaboratively with Estate Agents to keep your transaction moving, our Residential Property specialists are here to help.

Contact Pinney Talfourd today on 01277 211 755 or visit our website to speak with a member of the team and see how we can assist with your move.