is there anything we can do

MrsRobbo17

My husband and I are buying a house together. Husband is a FTB whereas I have a house to sell which I bought before we were married. My husband is not named on th mortgage.

After a few meetings with an independent mortgage advisor we were told she had checked with her supervisor and as one of us was a FTB we were eligible for mortgage where the bank pays the stamp duty so long as my husband is the main applicant. This was only available with Halifax mortgages, so we agreed.

Today, 9 days later, she rings to tell us that because I am not a FTB we are not eligible so will have to pay stamp duty. Fair enough... So i asked if she could check other mortgage lenders for a better rate since we are not eligible for the stamp duty incentive there is no longer the need to go with Halifax.

The problem is, we have already paid Halifax the valuation fee on the house we are buying. The valuation hasn't happened, but the advisor says if we changed now we would lose the money we have paid Halifax and would have to pay another lender the valuation fee.

Does this sound right? We only went with Halifax as she had "checked" we were eligible to have the stamp duty paid, now we're not and the valuation hasnt happened it seems unfair that we're stuck getting not the best rates, or forking out again for a valuation.

Any advice greatly received.

We are not trying to avoid paying stamp duty, more avoid higher monthly payments or paying for a second valuation.

I hope this makes sense.

[Deleted User]

I'd ask to speak to the supervisor SHE checked with! I'd be pretty peeved to be honest, I am in a similar situation, can he not be the sole applicant?

MrsRobbo17

Thanks! We need to both be on the mortgage to get the amount we need for the house.

I'd understand if the valuation had taken place. We both feel a bit screwed over

kingstreet

This is Halifax criteria on first time buyers;-

First time buyers (FTB)

To qualify for a FTB product, one applicant must not have previously bought or owned a property (including inherited/bought for cash).

So, if one of you has never owned a property, you would be eligible for the stamp duty incentive on a purchase between £125k and £250k, provided a full application was submitted and the valuation fee paid to Halifax before 8pm last thursday, as that's when the products were formally withdrawn.

You may wish to ask your broker for a copy of the Halifax online mortgage application summary so you can check it was submitted on, or before, 27 June.

MrsRobbo17

Thanks kingstreet, I was actually hoping you'd reply!! Since we paid our money Saturday 22nd I'd hope the broker didn't waste time. I will check this out! Thanks again!