Study title

Abstract copyright UK Data Service and data collection copyright owner.Data accumulated from Consumers' Association surveys are designed to be used by the consumer. The surveys are, therefore, very specific in nature and the subjects covered diverse. The Data Archive holds 19 such surveys. Readers are asked to note that, with the exception of the surveys on the Telephone Service - 69004, 69016, respondents surveyed are self selected from subscribers to the Association's magazine <i>Which?</i> and so the surveys cannot singly be used in descriptive accounts of the British public. Surveys 69005-69012 cover various aspects of the housing experiences of <i>Which?</i> readers who moved house in 1967 and 1968. It is here particularly important to remember that the choice strategies and the resources of <i>Which?</i> readers are unlikely to be typical.Main Topics:This comprehensive study has two sections: one dealing with buying property and the other with selling. Topics covered include: description of property bought/sold (i.e. whether freehold, type of dwelling, age, price asked etc.); whether property was registered with the Land Register; choice of solicitor; whether solicitor was also acting on behalf of buyer/seller/loan company (if so, problems that arose as a result are noted); type of conditions of sale implemented (and whether these were explained to the respondent); whether respondent was generally kept informed by his/her solicitor at all stages of the conveyance; number of weeks that elapsed between giving solicitor definite instructions and exchanging contracts. A record is made of the contractual details and of the cost of the conveyance (including respondent's fore-knowledge). Also noted is respondent's opinion of the way solicitor handled any snags etc. that occured during conveyance and after completion. Finally, the respondent is asked to rate the service he/she received against the cost. Background...