In Coadjute’s survey of nearly 500 UK property professionals, 82 per cent of conveyancers and estate agents said the relationship between the two professions had changed.
In the ‘Working Better Together’ report, published by the digital mortgage network provider, a lack of mutual respect was cited by 32 per cent as preventing the professions from collaborating together effectively.
Despite the challenges they face, nearly half, 42 per cent, were confident the relationship can be made better.
Improved communication and cooperation were cited by 36 per cent of estate agents and 27 per cent of conveyancers as key to improving the home buying process.
Feeling unappreciated is a source of angst on both sides. Out of the total conveyancers and estate agents surveyed, 16 per cent feel undervalued, and 15 per cent feel overworked.
Technology is strengthening ties, but better skills and processes would make work easier, 68 per cent of conveyancers and estate agents surveyed believe technology has had a positive impact on the working relationship but believe simpler processes, more skilled people and access to the right information were most critical in making work easier.
Conveyancers and estate agents working together
Customer and job satisfaction were also important with 21 per cent of the total conveyancers and estate agents surveyed viewing client contentment as the most enjoyable part of their job.
This was followed by building long-lasting client relationships as cited by 19 per cent and working with property peers, 15 per cent.
Referral fees were major concern for both parties, 67 per cent of conveyancers and 51 per cent of estate agents surveyed feel referral fees have had a negative impact on the relationship.
The more senior in the industry, the more optimistic about the future, 72 per cent of those in the industry with 15 years or more experience were most optimistic about the future of the relationship, compared with only a quarter of those who had been in the industry less than five years.
Iain McKenzie, chief executive of The Guild of Property Professionals, said: “Consumers have changed, so as an industry, we must change too. For estate agents and conveyancers, this starts with better communication and an openness to see things from each other’s perspective. One thing is clear, everyone working on a property transaction wants the same thing. So, any barriers that stand in the way of achieving success for the customer must be addressed.”
Rob Hailstone, founder of the Bold Legal Group, added: “Can better collaboration heal the relationship? I believe so. As an industry, I’m confident we will find our way through the existing challenges. The reality is we’ve got to as people will be buying and selling homes for a long time to come. The right technology is there to help speed up the process, but it’s only part of the solution. Meaningful change can only happen when there is a willingness on all sides to achieve it.”
Dan Salmons (pictured), chief executive of Coadjute, said it was clear the difficulties of recent years created even greater challenges for both conveyancers and estate agents as well as the relationship between them.
“Although they play different roles in the property transaction, our findings show that fundamentally they share the same goals and frustrations. Encouragingly, our survey results also show the genuine desire across the industry to overcome the obstacles and move forward.
“I believe this points the way to the future both professions would like to see: a more seamless property market, where buying and selling a home becomes a less stressful — even enjoyable — experience for all involved. That sounds like something we can all agree on, and a worthwhile goal for the industry to work towards.”
