Never use housebuilder's solicitor says Bloor Homes buyer

[New Home Expert]

There are many reason why should NEVER repeat NEVER! - do I need to scream it from the top of Nelson's column?

Yet every month hundreds of buyers do and many often find out too late why they should never have agreed to use the housebuilder's choice, suggested or recommended firm of solicitors.

Here is Brian's story - a buyer of a defective Bloor homes showhome!

He fell for the usual "they are familiar with new builds and would be able to process the sale quickly and efficiently"

Another trick used to con new home buyers into using the builder's solicitor, which the builder can control, is free legal fees. Don't fall for it!

   

[Bri]

I very much regret using Bloor Homes's recommended solicitor. I fell for the sales pitch of we will guarantee to close in 28 days, therefore no risk of going over and facing a financial penalty.

I now have restrictions on remortgaging and selling my freehold house. I have to pay Bloor's solicitors for the privilege.

This was never explained by my solicitor. Sure they sent it in a letter containing all sorts of legal jargon but they should have explained this in person when I met them. It does not say in any part of the paperwork there is a charge associated with this covenant, so how can they hold me to ransom?

[New Home Expert]

Precisely why I have always said buyers should NEVER EVER use a housebuilder's suggested/recommended solicitor.

I must admit what you have said is a new one on me and a new low for the housebuilders and the legal profession. If it was me, I would report "your" solicitor to the Law Society for breaching the SRA rules on conflict of interest.

[Bri]

Apparently the solicitor has done nothing wrong because they sent out a letter that contained a long list of covenants. All they are obliged to do is make me aware which is what they are claiming they did in the letter.

When I met the paralegal or whatever I asked about these terms. All she said was it means you can't hang your washing out front or build an extension etc without permission. Not once did she say, you have to pay Bloor's solicitor hundreds of pounds every time you make a change to the title deeds or sell your home.

It does not state anywhere there is a charge for this certificate, just that Bloor's solicitor has to provide it. So, how can they charge for something that has no charge associated with it in the conditions?

The Ombudsman said it's fair to assume there will be a charge because they have to do some work to provide the certificate. Well it will be a standard click of a button thing and there's nothing that mentions any charge whatsoever. So why is it fair to assume there will be a charge.

[New Home Expert]

At exchange of contracts, you are given the contract and the solicitor should ask you to read it and ask any questions about anything you are uncertain about and answer these questions truthfully and completely. This is what you pay for.

Yes, if some work is involved a small admin charge could be made say £20. But not when the work involved has been manufactured and written into the Title Deeds to create a revenue stream for the solicitor.