Law Society to research homebuyers' experience of solicitors

Homebuyers in Scotland are being asked to take part in a new research project to help find out more about what they think are the key issues involved in buying or selling a property.

The research, commissioned by the Law Society of Scotland, is to help understand issues faced by people buying or selling a property with a view to improving solicitors’ role in the process.

Researchers at Blake Stevenson are keen to hear about people’s experience of using a solicitor in the buying or selling their home at a series of focus group sessions. The groups are entirely confidential and no quotes will be attributed to anyone by name.

Ross MacKay, convener of the Law Society of Scotland’s Property Law Committee, said: “Solicitors help thousands of people each year buy or sell their homes and we are very keen to find out clients’ views of the process, what they expected from their solicitor and if those expectations were met.

“We want to ensure that clients can be satisfied with the work their solicitor does on their behalf. Many people may be unaware of what’s involved in buying or selling their home – from sorting out a mortgage, arranging a seller’s home report, concluding missives to the transfer of title - or the role the solicitor plays in that process and the legal fees involved.

"We hope the results of this research will help us better understand clients’ experiences of using a solicitor when they are buying or selling their home and where any improvements could be made.”

Anyone interested in taking part can contact: Jenny Wartnaby at Blake Stevenson on 0131 225 5600 or email jenny@blakestevenson.co.uk or sign up at: www.tinyurl.com/lawsocietysignup