"We (Abettermortgage on St. Patrick's quay 021 4500400) offer conveyancing from a trusted established solicitor on the Mall for EUR 850 plus VAT & outlay, which is a fair bit cheaper than the 1% as is normally charged."
Two points:
1. 1% is not normally charged. There might be a few firms charging this, but it is quite misleading to suggest that it is normal. My own firm, which does not advertise and gets most new clients by word-of mouth recommendation, charges €1,000.00 plus VAT & outlay for a new housing estate house purchase, and perhaps up to €1,300 for other transactions. Flat charges are now commonplace among solicitors.
2. €850 is right at the margin of profitability on even a straightforward transaction. I don;t believe it is possible for a solicitor to consistently give good service at this price level.