Solicitors fees on house purchase

Peco141

I'm based in Scotland.

Prior to setting the wheels in motion in buying a house I spoke to my solicitor about representing me and I'm sure he quoted me fees of £495 + VAT = £594.

I'm reasonably confident the figure of £594 represented the total for the purchase, including all the solicitor fees and necessary title securing fees and searches etc.

It turned out that my solicitor was actually representing the seller so I had to find a different solicitor. I chose another within the branch for practicality reasons due to its location in my area.

The procurement of the property is almost complete and I have just been emailed my solicitors fees as follows:

· Government Title Dues £240.00 Government Security Dues £60.00
· Solicitor Fee in connection with Purchase transaction £500.00
· VAT @ 20% £100.00

· Total £900.

Clearly a £300 difference is not something I was expecting. Does anyone have any idea if these fees sound excessive?

Peco141

It may well be with the stress of everything I didn't pick up the figures correctly when I was first quoted some figures. :-$

I'm required to go to the bank tomorrow morning to make the payment and wondered if it's something I should be questioning first.

Any kind of feedback on these figures would be appreciated before I transfer the monies over in the morning.

Thrugelmir

I suspect these are missing from your first quote.

Government Title Dues £240.00 Government Security Dues £60.00

As solicitor working for just £195. Highly unlikely.

Peco141

In which case. Darn!!!