Estate agents remain the most influential source of conveyancing instructions, with almost a third of homebuyers appointing a solicitor recommended by their agent, according to new research from Lyons Bowe Solicitors.
The survey of 1,208 homeowners who bought a property within the last two years found that 32% chose a conveyancer through an estate agent referral, making agents the single biggest source of new business for conveyancing firms.
The findings come as some parts of the housing market face softer demand, with fewer buyers entering the market and competition for instructions increasing. Against that backdrop, the research highlights the continuing importance of estate agent recommendations in shaping consumer choice.
Personal recommendations from friends and family were the second most common route to instruction, cited by 25% of buyers. By contrast, only 19% found their conveyancer through an online search.
The study also suggests referrals carry more weight than price when buyers make a final decision. Among those who considered more than one conveyancer, 38% said a recommendation was the most important factor, compared with 20% who prioritised cost and 11% who were primarily influenced by online reviews.
The findings underline the significant role estate agents continue to play in the home-moving process, with their recommendations remaining a key driver of conveyancing instructions despite the growth of online comparison tools.
Paul Lyons, managing director at Lyons Bowe Solicitors, commented: “Referrals from estate agents continue to play a hugely important role in how buyers choose a conveyancer, particularly in a more subdued market where firms are competing harder for every instruction.
“That’s why it’s so important for conveyancers to invest time in building and maintaining strong relationships with local agents. Estate agents want to recommend firms they trust to deliver a reliable, efficient service that reflects positively on them and helps transactions progress smoothly.”
