FREE CARPETS

A report by the Housing, Communities and Local Government select committee has highlighted concerns over the relationship between property developers and conveyancers. MPs heard evidence that developers offered prospective buyers free carpets and free lawns if they used the recommended solicitors. Of even greater concern, some property solicitors, the report said, were 'too close to developers and did not put their clients' interests first'. There were especially serious complaints by purchasers of leasehold houses whose rents had escalated, saying their solicitors had been negligent in not explaining onerous terms in leases. 20 March 2019