Home buyers/sellers gain in price war

HOMEBUYERS and sellers are expected to save millions of euro in legal fees as a result of a price war in the legal profession.

A new franchise operation Home Buy/Home Sell is providing a €999 euro fixed price solicitor’s conveyancing fee to the sellers or buyers of homes.

The scheme which was piloted in the Waterford area was a resounding success with 400 homes being bought and sold. Solicitor Paddy Fitzgibbon of Home Buy/Home Sell said the company has now launched its Dublin franchise and will roll out new franchises in Cork, Limerick and Galway in the coming months.

The slashing of fees is so great that the purchasers of a €450,000 home will save €4,389 which more than makes up for the scrapping of the Government’s first time buyer grant.

“We expect to be involved in the sale or purchase of thousands of homes this year,” said Mr Fitzgibbon.

Home Buy/Home Sell firms will carry out the legal conveyancing for a fixed €999 plus VAT and outlay. This results in savings of up to €1,788 on an average €235,000 home. If the consortium represents 5,000 clients this year then savings of €8.9 million will be passed on to clients buying or selling at the national average. As the bulk of Home Buy/Home Sell’s clients are likely to be in the Dublin region the savings could run into millions of euro.

The offer is confined to members of credit unions, says Mr Fitzgibbon.

“Home Buy/Home Sell provides all the expertise and quality attention needed when looking after legal and conveyancing issues. It's the complete package for people who are buying or selling a house. What makes it extra special is the fact that it can help you save up to 50% of costs,” said Mr Fitzgibbon.

“Home Buy/Home Sell has been developed so that credit union members buying or selling a house can get the proper expertise and assurances without having to pay an arm and a leg.”

The company has set up a call centre to cater for clients and can be contacted at 1890 509 505.