seller not being upfront

trying2010

Before instructing a solicitor, they asked me to check with the estate agents if they were aware of any maintenance charges or managing agents involved.

The estate agents informed me there was nothing on there files to indicate this and as it was a freehold property this was unlikely.

since our solicitor has been doing some digging we have found out that there is a mainetnance charge for trees and gardens to the front of the property.

we are planning to go back to the sellers and ask for a reduction in price as this was never declared. we like the property and dont really want to pull out now.

can anyone else think of any other way to make this fair?

themull1

How much is the maintenance charge, who does the maintenance, and can they increase the charges every year, or not.

googler

Here's a thought - maybe they simply and genuinely forgot about it, like other things that come around occasionally.

You like the property, when you move in you won't have any gardening to do ..... but you're still not happy.

OK, so they didn't tell you about the charge; better that than hiding some material fault such as woodworm, dry rot or suchlike......

You like the house? Buy the house, and pay the charge, same as the neighbours seem to do.

Raggie

Hi,

It doesn't sound like the sellers were not being upfront, only that the agent didn't check with them.

We whave a Freehold house, and as an "estate" pay a maint charge to a private company who looks after all the open spaces.

They litter pick weekly, grass cutting two weekly, maintain shubs and flower beds, maintain road for both damage and oil stains, and generally keeep the place looking nice.

Total cost is £180 per year. I'm not saying yours would be of that magnitude, but I think its money well spent to keep the area looking nice.

If I were you I would ask a few more questions of the seller and actual costs before deciding on your next step.

Rags

Chinkle

I don't think anyone has been dishonest here. You asked the agent and they said they had nothing on file - not that there was nothing, or even that they went back to the vendor to ask.

This is what you pay your solicitor and survey for, to dig up all the specifics that are pertinent to you purchase. You are then in possession of the full facts and should you chose to, you could reduce your offer.

But get the information first, ie what the charges are, who manages it, what you get for your money etc. Then ask yourself do you really want to make this a dealer breaker before approaching the vendor about it.

LilacPixie

We have a company that tidies the open spacs on our estate too. they pick up littr, leaves trim hedges and bushes, cut grass on the comunal grens etc and its £87 per year. billed 6 monthly in arrears so £43.50 every 6 months.

In our case we lodged the bill and tearms with our solicitor when our home was markted but TBH in your cas it sounds more like the EA didn't know so presumed there was nothing rathr than actually asking the question upfront and bing told NO.

TBH I would be asking how much are the charges, how often is the bill and then go from there. If it's only the equivilent of a few pounds a month would it really make a huge impact on your budget and want for the house

trying2010

Thanks for responses, had an email from solicitor who basically said thats what her job is for to dig up everything to do with the property.

were looking at £180 a year. we were in two minds whether to ask for a slight reduction in purchase price to relfect this outgoing (we will have to pay the solicitor more aswell), however we do not want to "rock the apple cart".