A3 property advice

Mountus

Hi all,

I am not sure if I am posting in the correct place, but I am seeking a bit of advice or second opinion.

I am in the process of buying a A3 commercial property with three studio flats upstairs. I currently have a solicitor who is hard to get hold of even after weeks of chasing via calls and emails.

When I do finally received some update from my solicitor, I am told that the seller expect me to pay their legal fees of £2k+ plus VAT and once I agree to this my solicitor will go ahead with the paperwork.

Can anyone enlighten me if this is correct when purchasing a commercial property that I am obliged to pay that fee?

As a buyer, am I expected to pay the agency a fee too as I thought that the seller are the ones who had to pay the agency commission?

Also, since paperwork has not began yet, would it be advisable for me to seek a different solicitor, one that I can get in touch with easily instead of the constant chasing?

Thanks.

Atidi

Mountus wrote: »

Hi all,

I am not sure if I am posting in the correct place, but I am seeking a bit of advice or second opinion.

I am in the process of buying a A3 commercial property with three studio flats upstairs. I currently have a solicitor who is hard to get hold of even after weeks of chasing via calls and emails.

When I do finally received some update from my solicitor, I am told that the seller expect me to pay their legal fees of £2k+ plus VAT and once I agree to this my solicitor will go ahead with the paperwork.

Can anyone enlighten me if this is correct when purchasing a commercial property that I am obliged to pay that fee?

As a buyer, am I expected to pay the agency a fee too as I thought that the seller are the ones who had to pay the agency commission?

Also, since paperwork has not began yet, would it be advisable for me to seek a different solicitor, one that I can get in touch with easily instead of the constant chasing?

Thanks.

Yes.

You are paying (quite handsomely, no doubt) for a solicitor and if they are not contactable, then you should ditch & switch to one that is.

If you want give the current solicitor a second chance, then ask to speak with the senior partner to discuss the issues you have experienced.

lincroft1710

Check if the property particulars state anything about paying seller's legal fees or if you have unwittingly agreed to do this.

Is your solicitor a specialist in commercial property transactions, because if not, find one who is.

paddyrg

Regarding vendors fees, either pay them or negotiate. Vendor will either withdraw from the process, accept your offer, or counteroffer.