Referral Fees

Posted on Wednesday, June 28, 2023

Our Commitment to Transparency: Commission and Referral Fees Explained

At Hockeys, we believe in being completely transparent with our clients. When you buy or sell a home through us, you deserve to know every detail that could influence your decisions. This includes what’s known as “material information” – the key facts that help you make informed choices.

One important part of this is explaining how we earn commission or referral fees when we introduce you to trusted third-party service providers, such as mortgage advisors, surveyors, and conveyancing solicitors.

Why We Share This Information

Referral arrangements are common across the property industry. An estate agent may recommend a professional they know will deliver a reliable service. If you choose to work with them, the agent may receive a commission or referral fee.

It’s important to stress that you are never obliged to use our recommended partners and you are always free to choose any provider you prefer. We recommend certain partners because of the quality of their service and the benefits they bring to our clients, not because of the referral fee we receive. Our goal is to make your move as smooth as possible, while being clear about any financial arrangements involved.

How Much Commission Do We Earn?

Here is a breakdown of the typical referral fees we receive if you choose to work with our trusted partners:

  • Mortgage Advisors – We may receive a commission of up to 40% if you proceed with a mortgage application through the advisor we introduce.

  • Conveyancing Solicitors – We may receive up to £250 for each successful instruction.

  • Surveyors – We may receive up to £200 for a completed survey referral.

These fees are paid directly to us by the third party and do not add to the cost of your service.

Frequently Asked Questions

Many clients naturally have questions about referral fees and how they affect the moving process. Here are some of the most common queries.

Do I have to use your recommended mortgage advisor?
No. You are free to use any mortgage advisor you choose. However, by working with our trusted advisor, you benefit from close communication between your broker and our team. This often speeds up the mortgage approval process and reduces delays, as we can obtain updates directly.

Will it cost me extra to use your conveyancing solicitor?
No. The referral fee we receive is paid by the solicitor, not by you, and their charges are the same whether you come to them directly or through us. The advantage of using a solicitor we know is that we have an established working relationship, which makes it easier to chase updates and helps avoid unnecessary hold-ups.

What happens if I want to use my own solicitor?
That’s absolutely fine and we will happily work with any solicitor of your choice. That said, with a recommended solicitor you will often find the process runs more smoothly, as they are used to dealing with us on a daily basis. This can be particularly helpful if there is a chain involved, where quick communication is essential.

Are you recommending these companies just because you get a commission?
No. We only recommend professionals we know and trust, who have consistently provided excellent service to our clients. The referral fee is a standard practice in the industry and has no impact on your costs. Because their reputation is tied to ours, our partners are motivated to deliver a reliable, client-focused service.

Can I change provider partway through the process?
Yes, although it is usually best to stay with one provider once you have instructed them, to avoid duplication or delays. One advantage of working with a recommended partner is that we are familiar with their systems and processes, making it easier for us to help resolve any issues quickly on your behalf.

Our Promise to You

We want our clients to feel confident, informed, and in control. By publishing this information, we ensure there are no hidden surprises in your journey with us. If you have any questions about our referral fees or would like to know more about the professionals we work with, please don’t hesitate to ask a member of our team.

At Hockeys, transparency isn’t just a requirement – it’s part of the trust we build with every client.