SDLT form & solicitors charges

ajfy2k

Hi,

Back in May I started buying a house and got a quote of £887.88 from my solicitors, house fell through at the last just before exchange as these things do.

Now I have just received a quote of a new house which I am buying of £977.88, the extra charge of £90.00 being for the completion of SDLT form (or £30.00 if I want to complete it myself and have them check it over). Terms and Conditions state that as a minimum I must have them check the form over.

I email her to ask why this had been included now and not in the last purchase, her response:

Regarding our charge for the SDLT form, it is omitted from the previous quote because it is optional.

Now I'm really confused. if its optional why do I have to fill it if? If its legally required why was it not included in the last job?

Don't know if its relevant but I'im I first time buyer, purchase price of first house was £128,250, current on £130,000.

I have already spent enough with this solicitors and hope the are not trying to take the !!!!,

Also if I opt to complete it myself and get them to check it over, how complicated is it top complete?

Thanks,

Ash

laap

Hello ajfy2k,

Don't worry, SLDT forms are pretty straightforward to fill in yourself.

Charging £30 for checking is just quick easy money for the solicitor - IMO! (To me it's a bit like filling in a passport application form and then asking the Post Office to check it for an additional fee.)

It's not complicated at all it should come with guidance notes. If not go onto their website for more info. And if you're still stuck or unsure of anything call their helpline. I found the advisors to be very helpful.

G_M

It's not optional, it HAS to be completed within 28 days of purchase..... by someone.

But it's a scam really. It should be a standard part of the conveyancing process and a decent solicitor/conveyancer would include it in their basic fee, not charge it as an extra.

However many companies make their quotes look more attractive by being cheaper, then adding on extras like the SDLT, and even a charge for their professional indemnity insurance and god knows what else.

On principal I'd tell them to stuff it, go elsewhere, and tell them why!

ajfy2k

Thanks for the info guys,

I have since spoken to the solicitors who confirmed that the reason that its not included in the quote because its an optional charge even through its mandatory to choose one of their two options,

Not happy, these solicitors came highly recommended but am quickly going off them, I expect honestly of solicitors but twice burnt now, last time I used a solicitor (different firm) for a criminal law matter he knocked the vat off for cash!!!

Anyway I have told them to hold fire with the form and have ordered one from HMRC to see what I think,

Ash