Whose Fault Is It Anyway?

Breaking Down Barriers Between Estate Agents & Conveyancers

Mary-Lou had the privilege of joining the first-ever debate titled “Whose Fault Is It Anyway?”, hosted by Propertymark in collaboration with The Conveyancing Association. The goal? To tackle one of the longest-standing tensions in our industry — the blame game between Estate Agents and Conveyancers in the property transaction process.

Alongside my fellow agent Ian Harris MNAEA MARLA, and a panel of respected conveyancers, we opened up a discussion that was long overdue.

Why the Blame Game Exists
If you’ve ever been involved in buying or selling a home, you’ll know the process can be frustrating — not just for clients, but for professionals too. Delays, miscommunications, and unmet expectations often lead to one side pointing fingers at the other. Estate agents get blamed for "rushing" deals; conveyancers get blamed for "holding things up." Sound familiar?

But what if the issue isn’t who’s to blame… but how we work together?

A Shared Goal: Smoother Transactions
The heart of the debate focused on aligning both sides around a common purpose — creating a better, more transparent, and more efficient experience for buyers and sellers alike.

We talked openly about:

Misaligned timelines and expectations

The need for clearer, earlier communication

The value of mutual respect between agents and conveyancers

How technology (used well) can support collaboration

What stood out most was this: everyone in the room wants the same thing — better outcomes for clients.

Collaboration Over Competition
As professionals, we’re stronger when we stop working in silos. Events like this one are not just good PR — they’re essential. They create a space where frustrations can be aired honestly, but also where solutions can be found.

For me, improving the buying and selling journey isn’t just professional — it’s personal. I care deeply about making this process better, and that starts with understanding all perspectives involved.

What’s Next?
This was only the beginning. More conversations, more collaboration, and hopefully, more shared progress will follow. I’m proud to be part of an industry that’s willing to ask the hard questions and come together for change.

Big thanks to Propertymark and The Conveyancing Association for making this happen — and to everyone who took part with open minds and open dialogue.

Let’s keep talking. Let’s keep improving. 💬

Have thoughts on the topic? I’d love to hear them — drop a comment or get in touch.

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