Documentation fee from Seller's solicitor

benzene_2

Hi,

I am a first time buyer and buying a new home (off the plan) which is currently being built. I have received my contract today and it says that I should be paying £190 documentation fee to the solicitor of the seller upon completion. Note, my seller is a well known NHBC registered building company (lets call them HIDDEN homes for the time being).

I was never told about this £190 document preparation fee at any stage until today. HIDDEN homes were very clear about the convenant charges but did not mention anything about this document fee.

Do I have a point here to be angry? or is this normal?? If it is normal, what more should I expect to pay (hidden charges) before I finally move into my new home.

Thanks for all your replies.

PS. I am deliberately not naming the builders yet as I have nicely and formally instructed them to waive that off.

Benzene

JPB123

The documentation fee is standard practice on New Build. It's not disclosed on the reservation form, only once the process is under way. I don't think you've got any chance of getting it waived.

I am an Independent Mortgage Adviser

You should note that this site doesn't check my status as a Mortgage Adviser, so you need to take my word for it. This signature is here as I follow MSE's Mortgage Adviser Code of Conduct. Any posts on here are for information and discussion purposes only and shouldn't be seen as financial advice.

loubel

When you buy a property, the buyer's solicitor usually prepares the transfer deed that transfers ownership to you. When you buy a new build this is prepared by the seller's solicitor because the transfer must also include all the necessary rights, covenants etc for the new property. It is normal for the buyer to pay for this extra work.

littlesparkles

I bought a new build and paid this. I was told about it by the sales person at the point of reservation - because I asked her about any fees and charges.