Why savvy sellers are shunning the referral fee route
The public is becoming wise to why some property lawyers have to pay fees to estate agents for new residential conveyancing business, says David Knapp
David is Partner of the firm, head of residential property and a qualified solicitor. David has worked at Hart Brown for 37 years, joining the firm in 1981. He graduated from the City of Birmingham Polytechnic in 1980, attended Guildford Law School in 1980 and qualified as a solicitor in 1984. David's specialism in residential property and progression throughout the firm has enabled him to build many long-lasting relationships with clients he has helped over the years and continues to do so. He has a great deal of legal and life experience and enjoys interaction with those known to him as well as newly introduced people.
What to read next
Understanding the risks of tax evasion in property transactions
With tough new rules now in place, it's important not just to do the right thing, but to be seen to be clearly doing the right thing – and being able to prove it, says Edward Powles
By Ed Powles
Dealing With Disputes: The case for mediation
It is startling how eager developers, contractors and joint venture partners are to take each other to court, even when there are initiatives designed to encourage them to seek alternative resolutions,…
£100k damages awarded in Kensington noise dispute
Neighbours clash after renovation works at W14 mansion block...
By PrimeResi
Companies in this article
Hart BrownMost read
Luxury brokerage declares £1.3bn in H1 sales
Overseas buyers accounted for 52% of the UK agency's deals, while new instructions topped £2.3bn.
Cluttons appoints top market analyst to lead resi business
Well-known research chief and former journalist steps up to lead major agency's residential division.
Art Deco gem in Notting Hill sells in off-market deal
'Landmark' £16mn residence was once owned by legendary soul singer Dusty Springfield.
Financial Times: Is Rightmove taking us for a ride?
Influential journalist Jonathan Guthrie investigates the property portal's dominance, fees & standing in the industry.
By PrimeResi
Lucian Cook: Tax speculation returns but all of the complexities remain
Despite much chatter, 'the matter of whether [Andy Burnham] would pursue a substantial overhaul of property taxation remains one of conjecture,' counsels the Savills research chief.
By Lucian Cook
Major agency reports ‘more uneven’ trading as uncertainty weighs on confidence
Winkworth says H1 sales remained resilient while lettings were largely unaffected by the Renters' Rights Act.
By PrimeResi
Rare St George’s Hill plot goes for record sum
Agents seal off-market deal for unconsented site after three-year pursuit.
Prime London Property Market Snapshot: Week 28, 2026
Fresh LonRes data indicates another week of relatively slow sales activity.
By PrimeResi
First Look: Ballymore unveils Bryan O’Sullivan Studio interiors at The Capston
Developer debuts sales gallery and show apartment at Embassy Gardens' 'final chapter'.
Foxtons warns of sharp profit drop; prepares for ‘a prolonged lower transaction volume environment’
Estate agency says 'trading has been adversely impacted by the prolonged downturn in the sales market, as well as short-term volatility in the lettings market.'
By PrimeResi
LATEST ARTICLES
Property Vision appoints Sandy Mitchell as Non-Exec
Top-flight buying agency adds well-known prime resi name to its panel of business advisors.
By PrimeResi
Knight Frank signs new Mallorca agency partnership
Balearic agency boss heralds 'a full-circle moment'.
By PrimeResi
Deals & Data: London’s £15mn+ market rebounds in blockbuster first half
Record-breaking sales, resurgent international demand and a surprise winner among the capital's super-prime neighbourhoods - but buyers are still calling the shots.
Has Hamilton Terrace become NW London’s hottest address?
The St John's Wood street has notched up almost £100mn of house sales in the past 12 months.
Winkworth installs franchise ops lead
New recruit will work across the firm's 100-plus franchise network.