Complaints after estate agent’s £1 sales ad proves to be misleading

Conveyancing is not a subject most people are familiar with before they enter the property market for the first time; therefore, it is vitally important to do some research into conveyancing to make sure you are not taken in by too-good-to-be-true deals.

One example of misleading advertising is an advert that was created by the company My Online Estate Agent, which has messages including ‘Sell for just £1’ and ‘Let for just £1’ alongside a heart design containing the amount ‘£1’. However, clicking on the ‘Sell for just £1’ link took potential customers to another page, where it was explained in small print that if you use this particular estate agent to sell your home, you are also agreeing to use its chosen conveyancing partner to carry out all the required conveyancing. This came with a fixed cost of £595 excluding VAT, with those who wanted to opt out of this process having to pay a fixed fee of £300 to use another conveyancing firm.

The Advertising Standards Agency (ASA) has now received a formal complaint about the misleading nature of this advert. A spokesman for My Online Estate Agent has stated that it is fully cooperating with the ASA’s requirements; however, the advert in question remains online.

How to protect yourself from misleading adverts

It is vital to make sure you are not taken in by misleading advertising. One of the easiest ways of ensuring you can budget easily is to search for conveyancing quotes from licensed conveyancers. A licensed conveyancing firm will be able to guide you through the conveyancing process; for example, reputable firms such as
https://www.samconveyancing.co.uk/conveyancing-quote will be able to provide you with reliable conveyancing quotes so that you know exactly how much you are likely to have to spend.

How to report misleading adverts

Even if you are aware enough to avoid being taken in by misleading advertising, it is important to report misleading adverts so that other people are not taken in by them. You can report misleading adverts to the ASA by referring to its guidelines.

What is conveyancing?

Conveyancers raise enquiries while a house purchase is being considered. Conveyancers will ensure that the necessary contracts are drawn up to the required legal standards. They will also ensure that there are no issues preventing resale on the open market.

How to learn about conveyancing

Conveyancing might seem like a daunting area to research, but it doesn’t have to be. If you require further information about the conveyancing process, the government website can provide you with all the information you need to ensure you receive trustworthy conveyancing services in the UK.

It is easy to see why it is important to do your research when looking for a conveyancer to help you with your property purchase. A licensed conveyancer will give you a reliable quote, meaning that you can budget easily and won’t find yourself unexpectedly out of pocket.