Always fight

anoneemouse

It looks as if the vendor kept hold of their "illicit use" property for just long enough that (legally) the property would have "acquired" official status if push came to shove and is now trying to sell it to the first mug that comes along.

I suspect the solicitor must have known what was going on and just assumed you would try and get this "Certificate of Lawfulness". They were very remiss in their assumption. All solicitors should assume (unless proved otherwise) that people are doing things "by the book" and not assume everyone is dishonest and devious at the outset.

In your position I would go ahead and "flag up" this apparent residential property for sale. If it's possible to get the selling details made more accurate I would do that. If it's possible to get an article condemning the vendor in the local newspaper I would do that.

I would be very upset at having wasted my time and money because of a dishonest and devious vendor and they would not just "get away with it" if I could find a way to publicise what they are attempting to do.

The solicitor also needs a "rap across the knuckles" and to let you off any bill incurred to date from them.