Bloxham pushed us to use their solicitor – is this normal?

[teenleo]

Our agent (Bloxham) pushed us to use their solicitor. I later found out they get referral fees. Isn't this a massive conflict of interest? Did they overcharge us to get their cut?

It is pretty common for estate agents to try to persuade you to use their solicitor in return for a fee. It is not a conflict of interest, but it is a bad idea.You have no idea how good or bad or competitive their solicitor is.

Find your own solicitor. Ignore them.

They all do this....you can just say no thank you

It happens but it's not ethical and reflects badly on them as a firm, in my opinion. I asked my EA for three recommendations, which they provided and I went with the one I felt was the best. They were excellent, as it turned out.

Don’t do it. We made the mistake of listening to the agent. Suffice to say we got compensation as they were so poor.

They can push but you can push back. No one can make you, always make your own choice.