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Pet solicitors, as seems to be en vogue to call them, are an issue in conveyancing full stop, not just new builds.

It is exactly the same concept and compromise of independence though.

It stinks even more outside of the new build circle to be honest. Seller appoints solicitor A, referred to by the agent. Buyer appoint solicitor B, referred to by the agent.

Seller pays say £750+ VAT, of which £350 goes to the agent. Buyer pays £750 + VAT, of which £350 goes to the agent.

But wait, there's a problem. Don't make problems solicitor B, we need this exchange to hit target this month. And away goes the problem. Or, if you cause problems we shall start giving work to solicitor C. Away goes the problem.

Seen this countless times, and if the fee earner (or case handler) won't budge, his supervisor will if the agent goes to them.

The point being there is no independence where there's a financially induced referral. It's a bung. It stinks. It's the same as FIFA but somehow going under the radar of the powers that be.