Buyer and seller have same solicitor

[lamamo]

Is this a problem? I'm the buyer here and instructed a solicitor for my house purchase. When the memorandum of sale came through I found that the seller has the same solicitor. Would there be any conflict of interest? Both sides are chain free, so hopefully a straightforward purchase.

Do you mean the same firm of solicitors? If so there are rules that two individual solicitors within the same firm can follow to allow them to act.

We had to sign something to say we were ok with different offices of the same firm dealing with my parents' purchase. It was fine, super-quick (7 weeks).

We actually had the same solicitor within the company. But they said an assistant will do most of my work so still kind of the same person. I guess it's OK then. @NoWordForFluffy I hope mine is that fast.

It can be the same firm, but must be different solicitors within that firm.

There are strict rules that solicitors firms must abide by to avoid a conflict of interest. I would say you need to follow this up especially as you say that initially the same solicitor was on the paperwork for both parties.

If it's the same solicitor, and they haven't discussed this with you, then it's a big red flag. Different offices after a discussion is OK, but otherwise, they are in breach of their professional code.

We had the same firm of solicitors and there was no problem (but that was a sale between family members if that makes a difference).