Olive Press probe into shady real estate deals with lawyers
AN Olive Press investigation exposes a practice of lawyers giving estate agents ‘backhanders’ of up to 20% for working on conveyancing deals.
Our ongoing probe hopes to put a stop to the bent practice of agents only giving work to lawyers if they agree to the kickback.
We are now appealing to all clean lawyers and estate agents on the coast to step forward in a bid to expose the unethical dealings.
One lawyer Alex Radford, who has worked on the coast for 12 years, said: “It is a conflict of interest and undermines the lawyer’s need to retain independence and act in the client’s best interests.”
Fellow lawyer Antonio Flores, of Lawbird, added: “The problem has become way too common, to the point that it is now expected.
“With the market finally now changing for the better, it is time for regulators to step in and stamp it out. Congratulations on your campaign.”
Meanwhile, at least one estate agent insists he does not work in this fashion.
Adam Neale, from Terra Meridiana, in Estepona, said: “This practice needs to be outlawed. It is morally wrong.”