Mortgage non-refundable booking fee

quantropy

Last October we started the process of buying a house, and went for a mortgage with Santander, recommended by the advisor linked to the estate agent. We agreed to a non-refundable booking fee of £1200. Well things dragged on, but we were told that extending the mortgage wouldn't be a problem, and when it was due to expire in April we were under the impression that it had in fact been extended for three months (and that after that a new valuation might be required). Now things have started moving, but a week before we're planning to exchange contracts we've been told that since the offer has expired we'll have to pay another booking fee of £1200. Naturally we're very unhappy. Is this really the norm when mortgage offers are extended?

The_Palmist

did you paid that Mortgage Advisor ? If you did then he should have warned about this. Have you tried writing to Santander ?

quantropy

We didn't pay the mortgage advisor - we realized that he would be paid commission by the mortgage company, and so the products he recommended would be those with higher fees, but it didn't seem a big deal at the time. But to pay a second time when no extra work is being done doesn't seem reasonable.
Also, we haven't contacted Santander, as we only heard about it this afternoon.

The_Palmist

I have a feeling if you write to them and explain, they might reverse the charge or at least meet half way. I am saying "write" as I think part time staff on phone are least bothered.