Posted Tuesday 12th May 2026
It is not uncommon for conveyancing solicitors to be referred to – sometimes wryly – as “deal prevention officers”. The label reflects a perception that solicitors are more focused on identifying problems rather than progressing solutions. While such characters do exist, the observation prompts a more constructive question, how can solicitors and estate agents work more effectively together to deliver the best outcomes for clients?
In any residential transaction, it’s almost certain that you will engage with both conveyancing solicitors and estate agents, both fulfilling different functions in the transactional process. Estate agents are the deal-makers, communicators and motivators. They will also, often, have local knowledge and expertise that solicitors don’t have access to, and so can be valuable sources of local knowledge and experience. Conveyancing solicitors, by contrast, are responsible for assessing risk, identifying potential issues and, hopefully, problem solvers. They should also be advisors, assessing and communicating the consequences of any identified risks and help their clients move forward in a way that feels comfortable for them, including finding solutions (novel or otherwise) when called for.
Both functions are integral to the same process. When aligned, they create a transaction that progresses efficiently and with confidence. When misaligned, the result can be delay, frustration and, in some cases, transactions that fail to complete.
A key barrier to alignment is poor communication. Where solicitors and estate agents do not engage constructively, trust is difficult to establish, and the respective strengths of each party remain underutilised. Over time, negative experiences can reinforce unhelpful assumptions, leading to a tendency to work around, rather than with, one another. This dynamic benefits no one, least of all the client.
Differences of opinion are inevitable in complex transactions. However, these need not be obstructive. Approached in good faith, with a shared understanding of the end goal and a commitment to clear, open communication, such differences can be resolved in a way that supports progress rather than impedes it.
At Joelson, we recognise that building strong working relationships with estate agents and, all other professionals involved in the conveyancing process (including surveyors and mortgage brokers), is a key part of working in our clients’ best interests, going beyond just the process or the law, and provides real value for our clients. It is through this collaborative approach that transactions are best placed to succeed.
If you are in need of a conveyancing solicitor, or if you want more information, please contact Richard Showan.
This article is for reference purposes only. It does not constitute legal advice and should not be relied upon as such. Specific legal advice about your specific circumstances should always be sought separately before taking or deciding not to take any action.
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