As a client, you should be looking at the bottom line. By that I mean the total of the fee PLUS VAT @ 21% PLUS the outlays - such as searches and registration costs.
So is that 2K the overall cost or the fees aspect only? If its a total, including all the above, its good. If its the fee element only, you could probably get it cheaper BUT best bet is to go with someone you've used before or who comes recommended to bring you through the process.
The cheapy cheap days during boom time were based, for some of the cheapy cheap solicitors, on high volume turnover. There is virtually zero volume turnover and much increased headaches in dealing with banks and the like so, if anything, prices are probably going up.
I have a view that I will not work for less than cost price - I'd prefer to be at home in my garden than to be dealing with the aggravation of current conveyancing issues which is actualy costing me money.
I purchased a house earlier in the year and cost came in at €1,700.
Professional fee €750
Misc €25
VAT €163
Registration of transfer €500
Registration of mortgage €125
Copy Folio and map €25
Searches €65
Commissioners fee €20
TOTAL: €1,673
The above was for a standard 3 bed semi, North Dublin City.