EPC and VAt - estate agents

Pinto2013

Hi. My estate agent offered to arrange the EPC and said it would cost 40 - 50.

When I asked for the results he forwarded the doc to me that he had got from the man who did the epc which said it included the epc AND the contractor's invoice. However the invoice wasn't included. The contractor is not registered for VAT and I believe his usual price for a 1 bedroom flat is 45.00

The estate agent sent me an invoice payable to him for 50 + VAT.

It isn't so much the increase in the amount I have to pay (which isn't that much against the sale of even a small flat) but I am left with the rather unpleasant feeling that a bit has been added by the estate agent for himself on the way. I already have some doubts about the agent alas..........having accepted a cash offer(from a buy to let person) that offer then became a mortgage buy but I wasn't told this until after other potential buyers had been told their offers were not accepted including a higher but equity release offer.

Please, can a more experienced buyer/seller help at all?

I would be very, very grateful for any comments.

Many thanks

anselld

If you wanted the contractors price you should have arranged it yourself.
If the agent is VAT registered they have no choice but to add VAT.

googler

As above, if the supply of an EPC is a VAT-chargeable supply, and the agent is VAT registered, they must charge VAT.

As regards them charging you £5 over and above the rate you would have got if you went direct, the EA has liaised with the EPC guy to arrange this on your behalf. Do you expect them to do this for free?

Pinto2013

HI thanks. I get the points you are making and if VATable of course this has to be charged. It isn't the amount (which is quite small) my surprise was that he hadn't been upfront in his quote. I don't expect services for free - but I do hope businesses will be upfront about charges.

I guess I am finding the whole business very stressful.

Thanks again both

G_M

Pinto2013 wrote: »

.... my surprise was that he hadn't been upfront in his quote.

My estate agent offered to arrange the EPC and said it would cost 40 - 50

The estate agent sent me an invoice payable to him for 50 + VAT.

What is the problem? £50 is within the range he quoted. VAT is added by law.

jjlandlord

Except that a quote for £50 without mention of VAT means that the amount is the total, as prices quoted to consumers must be inclusive of VAT.

DRP

G_M wrote: »

What is the problem? £50 is within the range he quoted. VAT is added by law.

Why did the agent quote a price without VAT? £50+VAT is 60 quid, so that is what he should have said.

essentially the OP is paying between 20% and 50% more than he was verbally 'quoted'.

I can see why you're annoyed - the principle more than anything. You need to decide whether it is worth it to either kick up a proper fuss, let the agent know you're !!!!ed off but dont take it further, or just say nothing...

Pinto2013

It IS the principle not the amount.

He (estate agent) has been a bit slippery about a few other things.

He did quote £50 in writing (not saying anything about VAT) so I think I was correct to assume VAT was included.

I have decided to pay (it is a small amount) BUT have pointed out that he wasn't upfront about the VAT issue so, hopefully, he knows I am keeping an eye on things.......

Answers much appreciated.

This selling/buying business isn't relaxing is it?

DRP

Pinto2013 wrote: »

This selling/buying business isn't relaxing is it?

It isn't, but it is definitely best to pick your battles and keep your powder dry for the real challenges to come.

Sounds like you did the right thing.

Thrugelmir

Pinto2013 wrote: »

I don't expect services for free - but I do hope businesses will be upfront about charges.

£5 wouldn't even cover the true full cost of the service provided.

Pinto2013

POssibly - but it isn't the amount so much as his approach to giving me information which then changes.........

Thanks all for your help!

Onwards and upwards.

Just have to find a good solicitor now.