Mortgage Soup fires the questions at Harpal Singh, CEO of conveybuddy, the conveyancing distributor platform for brokers.

Mortgage Soup (MS): What are the biggest issues brokers currently face when recommending conveyancing services?

Harpal Singh (HS): One of the most persistent issues is the gap between what is presented upfront and what clients actually end up paying, because while many other portals and conveyancing firms themselves continue to promote seemingly low headline fees, the reality is these figures often exclude a range of standard additional costs that only become clear once the transaction is underway.

For brokers, this creates a real challenge, as the recommendation might be being made on this initial quote, yet the client experience can quickly deteriorate when further charges begin to appear, which in turn reflects back (and badly) on the broker.

At a time when Consumer Duty is very much front of mind, brokers cannot afford to be associated with outcomes that feel opaque or misleading, even if they are not directly responsible for the conveyancing process itself, and this is why there is a growing need to look beyond these ‘headline’ prices and instead focus on true transparency to deliver overall value, clarity and consistency of service.

MS: How does conveybuddy address the problem of hidden fees?

HS: The starting point for us has always been transparency, because if a broker is going to recommend a conveyancing solution, they need to have full confidence in what is being presented to their client, and that means providing clear, itemised quotes from the outset rather than relying on headline figures that may not stand up under scrutiny.

Our quotes include everything known at outset, with no surprises – especially the disgraceful client portal/onboarding fee!

Our platform is designed to show a full breakdown of costs at the point of instruction, allowing brokers and their clients to understand exactly what is included which removes the uncertainty that has, I’m afraid, too often surrounded this process.

By doing this, we are not simply helping brokers avoid difficult conversations later down the line, but also supporting them in delivering fair value, as clients are able to make informed decisions based on accurate information rather than being drawn in by a price that does not reflect the true cost of the transaction.

MS: Why is transparency so important in the current market environment?

HS: The current market remains sensitive, with activity levels shifting in response to rate expectations, affordability pressures and wider economic factors, and in this kind of environment, clients are naturally more cautious about costs and more likely to question anything that feels unclear.

For brokers, this means that every recommendation carries greater weight, because trust is harder won and more easily lost, and any element of the process that introduces confusion or unexpected expense can undermine the relationship that has been built.

Transparency is therefore not just a nice-to-have, but a core part of delivering good outcomes, as it provides certainty at a time when much else in the market may feel uncertain, and it allows brokers to demonstrate they are acting in their client’s best interests throughout the entire transaction, not just at the point of mortgage advice.

MS: How does conveybuddy support brokers beyond pricing clarity?

HS: While pricing transparency is a key part of what we do, it is only one element of the wider support we provide to brokers, because we recognise that efficiency, communication and control are just as important when it comes to delivering a positive client experience.

Our platform brings together a panel of conveyancers in a way that allows brokers to manage instructions, track progress and stay informed without having to rely on multiple systems or chase for updates, which can often be one of the most frustrating aspects of the process.

By giving brokers greater visibility and control, we are helping them remain at the centre of the transaction, ensuring they are able to keep clients updated and respond quickly to any issues that arise, rather than being left on the outside looking in.

MS: What role does integration play in improving outcomes for brokers and clients?

HS: Integration is becoming increasingly important as brokers want up to date information and access, they want to know that the status of the case is correct right now, rather than waiting weeks for it to be updated.  

Through integration with conveyancing firm systems, conveybuddy enables a more seamless journey, whereby brokers benefit from that smooth information flow, and ultimately, they also get paid in a quicker timeframe as the exchange and completion milestones are noted with immediate effect, rather than waiting for a manual (and often late) update.

This not only improves efficiency for the broker, but also reduces the risk of errors and delays, which ultimately benefits the client by creating a more joined-up experience that feels consistent from start to finish.

MS: How should brokers think about value when selecting a conveyancing partner?

HS: Value should be considered at a higher level. There is a huge choice of distributors in this space. Each one has a different charging structure and bump up conveyancer quotes with their own panel fees and commission. The difference can be several hundred pounds – on a purchase transaction, for example.

Brokers need to also ask whether the service will support a smooth transaction, whether costs are clear and predictable, and whether the client will feel informed and supported throughout, as these are the factors that ultimately shape the overall experience.

MS: What is the key message for brokers considering their conveyancing approach in 2026?

HS: The key message is to shop around. Conveyancing should no longer be treated as a bolt-on to the mortgage process because it has a direct impact on client outcomes, broker reputation and overall business efficiency.

As expectations continue to rise, both from clients and from a regulatory perspective, brokers need to be confident that every part of the journey they influence meets the same standards as their advice, and that means working with partners who prioritise transparency, value, communication and consistency.

At conveybuddy, our aim is to provide a solution that aligns with those expectations, giving brokers the tools and confidence they need to recommend conveyancing in a way that supports both their clients and their business over the long term.