We’d like to remind Forumites to please avoid political debate on the Forum.

This is to keep it a safe and useful space for MoneySaving discussions. Threads that are – or become – political in nature may be removed in line with the Forum’s rules. Thank you for your understanding.

PLEASE READ BEFORE POSTING: Hello Forumites! In order to help keep the Forum a useful, safe and friendly place for our users, discussions around non-MoneySaving matters are not permitted per the Forum rules. While we understand that mentioning house prices may sometimes be relevant to a user's specific MoneySaving situation, we ask that you please avoid veering into broad, general debates about the market, the economy and politics, as these can unfortunately lead to abusive or hateful behaviour. Threads that are found to have derailed into wider discussions may be removed. Users who repeatedly disregard this may have their Forum account banned. Please also avoid posting personally identifiable information, including links to your own online property listing which may reveal your address. Thank you for your understanding.
📨 Have you signed up to the Forum's new Email Digest yet? Get a selection of trending threads sent straight to your inbox daily, weekly or monthly!

Solicitor fees...

Hi

I'm am buying a property and had to change solicitors,y original solicitors had carried out the searches for which i paid. My new solicitors have written to me today saying that i will be charged £100 for the searches. When i asked about this they said as a good will gesture for properties that dont need searches they charge £100, do i have to pay this?? It seems unnecessary when ive paid for the searches and they are telling me it a good will gesture!!!

Many thanks

Comments

  • Voyager2002
    Voyager2002 Posts: 16,349 Forumite
    Part of the Furniture 10,000 Posts Name Dropper Combo Breaker
    Mich1981 wrote: »
    Hi

    I'm am buying a property and had to change solicitors,y original solicitors had carried out the searches for which i paid. My new solicitors have written to me today saying that i will be charged £100 for the searches. When i asked about this they said as a good will gesture for properties that dont need searches they charge £100, do i have to pay this?? It seems unnecessary when ive paid for the searches and they are telling me it a good will gesture!!!

    Many thanks

    There is nothing to say what they have to charge: it all depends on what you have agreed with them. You may find that if you are unwilling to pay this fee then they are unwilling to act for you.
  • WestonDave
    WestonDave Posts: 5,154 Forumite
    Rampant Recycler
    Searches involve 2 things - one paying the supplier to provide the information (which you've clearly already done) and considering the information in them and advising accordingly - even if this has been done the new solicitor will probably need to do it for their own file for their own procedures to ensure quality etc.
    Adventure before Dementia!
  • Yes i thought there was some basic paperwork that they may have to do and that i could risk them not acting if i didnt pay
  • martindow
    martindow Posts: 10,624 Forumite
    Part of the Furniture 10,000 Posts Name Dropper
    Mich1981 wrote: »
    for properties that dont need searches they charge £100,
    I don't understand this - if there are no searches being made then why is anything charged?
  • The searches would normal be included in disbursements.


    The cost of reading them would normally be included in fees.


    While a solicitor can refuse to accept searches instructed by another, I have ...


    1) never known this happen


    2) never had the solicitor charge an additional fee


    .... based on probably half a dozen solicitor changes a year in this circumstance.
    Hi, we’ve had to remove your signature. If you’re not sure why please read the forum rules or email the forum team if you’re still unsure - MSE ForumTeam
This discussion has been closed.
Meet your Ambassadors

🚀 Getting Started

Hi new member!

Our Getting Started Guide will help you get the most out of the Forum

Categories

  • All Categories
  • 352.1K Banking & Borrowing
  • 253.5K Reduce Debt & Boost Income
  • 454.2K Spending & Discounts
  • 245.1K Work, Benefits & Business
  • 600.7K Mortgages, Homes & Bills
  • 177.5K Life & Family
  • 258.9K Travel & Transport
  • 1.5M Hobbies & Leisure
  • 16.2K Discuss & Feedback
  • 37.6K Read-Only Boards

Is this how you want to be seen?

We see you are using a default avatar. It takes only a few seconds to pick a picture.