We’d like to remind Forumites to please avoid political debate on the Forum.
This is to keep it a safe and useful space for MoneySaving discussions. Threads that are – or become – political in nature may be removed in line with the Forum’s rules. Thank you for your understanding.
PLEASE READ BEFORE POSTING: Hello Forumites! In order to help keep the Forum a useful, safe and friendly place for our users, discussions around non-MoneySaving matters are not permitted per the Forum rules. While we understand that mentioning house prices may sometimes be relevant to a user's specific MoneySaving situation, we ask that you please avoid veering into broad, general debates about the market, the economy and politics, as these can unfortunately lead to abusive or hateful behaviour. Threads that are found to have derailed into wider discussions may be removed. Users who repeatedly disregard this may have their Forum account banned. Please also avoid posting personally identifiable information, including links to your own online property listing which may reveal your address. Thank you for your understanding.
📨 Have you signed up to the Forum's new Email Digest yet? Get a selection of trending threads sent straight to your inbox daily, weekly or monthly!
Stupid Me! - Deposit witheld
Aiegis
Posts: 1 Newbie
Ok I've made a bit of a mess of this and need to know how I stand from a legal standpoint.
I went to a Homes and Property show last April (2005) and came across a company selling land (ELS - European Land Sales). I was offered a plot of land (greenfield) in Milton Keynes and put down a deposit of a £1000. The only reason I put the deposit down was because I was told it was refundable (I could not commit to the actual purchase because of financial issues which needed to be cleared first - this was explained to the seleswoman).
The deposit was supposed to be fully refundable for a month.
I kep in constant touch with the saleswoman explaining that I didn't have the money yet. This went on for a few months. Constant contact remained with her. I also had other issues with regards to financing a friend who needed to pay for his niece's cancer treatment. I even said that things were too tight and that I will not proceed with the purchase but I was encouraged to hold on, just in case.
I then made contact for another 'catch up cal;' and was told that the plot which was reserved for me was sold and that I could use my deposit elsewhere.
They now refuse to give me my money back.
I have nothing in writing vis-a-vis my conversations with the lady. Is there anything I can do to get my money back?
I bought this on a credit card and have been paying interest since!!
Stupid stupid me I know but now I need to get out of this. Can I tackle this froma legal perspective?
many thanks all!
A
I went to a Homes and Property show last April (2005) and came across a company selling land (ELS - European Land Sales). I was offered a plot of land (greenfield) in Milton Keynes and put down a deposit of a £1000. The only reason I put the deposit down was because I was told it was refundable (I could not commit to the actual purchase because of financial issues which needed to be cleared first - this was explained to the seleswoman).
The deposit was supposed to be fully refundable for a month.
I kep in constant touch with the saleswoman explaining that I didn't have the money yet. This went on for a few months. Constant contact remained with her. I also had other issues with regards to financing a friend who needed to pay for his niece's cancer treatment. I even said that things were too tight and that I will not proceed with the purchase but I was encouraged to hold on, just in case.
I then made contact for another 'catch up cal;' and was told that the plot which was reserved for me was sold and that I could use my deposit elsewhere.
They now refuse to give me my money back.
I have nothing in writing vis-a-vis my conversations with the lady. Is there anything I can do to get my money back?
I bought this on a credit card and have been paying interest since!!
Stupid stupid me I know but now I need to get out of this. Can I tackle this froma legal perspective?
many thanks all!
A
0
Comments
-
I would have thought that if the deposit was fully refundable for a month then that is the standard 30 day cooling off period. If you carried on beyond that then you missed your chance.
The nature of deposits is that they are non-refundable. I can't see you stand a chance of getting that money back.0 -
Dont beat yourself up! See a solicitor ASAP...and good luck, you're going to need some0
-
Looks like you are dealing with some dodgy people.
https://www.investdrinks.org/landplotters.htm
Probably not much chance of getting your money back or making anything if you did buy another plot.
For more info about the man behind it all.
https://www.stephencleeve.com(".)0 -
You may have some protection if you paid by credit card and you should contact your credit card provider to see if they can help.0
This discussion has been closed.
Confirm your email address to Create Threads and Reply
Categories
- All Categories
- 352.4K Banking & Borrowing
- 253.7K Reduce Debt & Boost Income
- 454.4K Spending & Discounts
- 245.4K Work, Benefits & Business
- 601.3K Mortgages, Homes & Bills
- 177.6K Life & Family
- 259.3K Travel & Transport
- 1.5M Hobbies & Leisure
- 16K Discuss & Feedback
- 37.7K Read-Only Boards