In brief: Solicitors gain approval from consumers

Solicitors are more popular with consumers than estate agents and mortgage lenders according to research conducted by consultants PC Martin Hamblin and the University of Stirling. The study, which coincided with the release of the Government's consultation paper, The Key to Easier Home Buying and Selling, followed the progress of 800 buyers and sellers which found that solicitors achieved the highest approval rating with 80 per cent of respondents saying they were satisfied with service. This compared with 75 per cent who were content with estate agents' service and 70 per cent lenders.