Why independent legal advice is essential in today’s property market

A recent BBC Panorama investigation has raised serious concerns about how some estate agents are prioritising profit over fairness in the property market. The programme uncovered practices where buyers were allegedly favoured not for the strength of their offer, but for their willingness to use in-house services such as mortgages and conveyancing. These revelations serve as a stark reminder of why independent legal advice is not just helpful—it’s essential.

In one case, a seller was reportedly unaware that a potential higher offer may have been sidelined in favour of a buyer who had agreed to use the estate agent’s own mortgage broker. The agent stood to gain thousands in commission from bundled services, while the seller may have lost out financially. This kind of behaviour, while not always illegal, raises serious ethical questions about conflicts of interest and transparency.

The investigation also revealed that some agents were incentivised to overvalue properties to win instructions, only to later pressure sellers into reducing the asking price. First-time buyers, unfamiliar with the process, were often steered toward expensive in-house conveyancing services without being encouraged to shop around.

Remember that an agent is acting for the seller only and needs to obtain the best outcome for the selling client- not which buyer may secure the best commission in other services. That’s where independent legal advice comes in. There are of course many good agents working today across the country and they serve an important purpose.

An independent lawyer is not tied to the financial incentives of estate agents, brokers or their affiliates. Their role is to protect your interests, ensure you understand the legal implications of your decisions, and help you navigate the process with clarity and confidence. They can review contracts, flag unfair terms, and ensure that you are not being misled or pressured into decisions that may not serve you. If you are told you need to use a particular service to secure a property, you need to question why that is.

Having an independent legal expert by your side is more important than ever. Whether you’re buying, selling, or remortgaging, independent advice ensures that your decisions are informed, fair, and in your best interest.

Our expert team can assist you if you have any questions, contact us on 020 7940 4060 or send us an email at mail@anthonygold.co.uk.