YouGov’s “Conveyancing 2014” report finds that home buyers are on the whole satisfied with suppliers of conveyancing advice. The research shows that seven in ten (71%) house-buyers rate the overall quality of service as either ‘good’ or ‘excellent’.
The report examines the experience of consumers either buying or selling a property. It explores their opinions on the process and their use of legal representation and estate agents when going through conveyancing.
Additionally, it looks at the market from the point of view of both the buyer and the seller, looking at trends, suppliers, and also supporting information on the current state of the UK conveyancing market and future development and issues.
YouGov’s report also reveals that while more than two in three (69%) home-buyers use online property sites like Zoopla, Rightmove, and PrimeLocation, traditional estate agents still have a significant role to play. More than half (52%) of buyers use websites operated by local estate agents, and 45% prefer to physically visit a property company. However, buyers find local media is less useful, with only 28% going to local online property sites and 23% looking in local newspapers or magazines.
The research shows that the time taken from the first offer being made on a property and the completion date is rarely less than expected. Only 6% said they thought the process would take more time, with 48% saying it took as long as they thought it would and 44% believing it would take less time than it did.
YouGov’s research also highlights the top concerns of buyers and sellers throughout the conveyancing process. The greatest concern for purchasers was the survey revealing a serious structural problem at their chosen property, with more than half (54%) saying they are ‘very concerned’ or ‘concerned’ about it. Furthermore, more than four in ten buyers (43%) have anxieties about three other issues – the seller deciding not to sell; gazumping; and local authority, land, and environmental searches revealing a serious problem.
