Is there anyone I can make a complaint to?

ButterflySteps

Hi. My partner and I are trying to buy a flat. Unfortunately after 7 weeks, we still haven't received the relevant paper work from the seller's solicitors, and are therefore unable to move forward. Our solicitor has sent them no less than 10 separate emails to ask them where the paperwork is. The seller herself has emailed them. None of our emails have generated a reply. Our solicitor has also phoned them several times, her calls get forwarded to voicemail, but their inbox is full. Our solicitor did get through once 2 weeks ago, and the other firm has confirmed that they have received instructions and all paperwork from the seller and they will send the paperwork through asap. Yet nothing has been received so far and we can't get in touch with them again.

This situation can go on indefinitely as the other firm is almost uncontactable. It's costing us money to stay in our rented flat and commuting everyday, so we're keen to move.

My question is: is there any regulatory body that we can report the seller's solicitor to, perhaps to try and get them to do the job they're been hired to do?

As far as I know, the SRA doesn't deal with issues of poor service, and the Legal Ombudsman only look at complaints if it's your own service provider.

Out,_Vile_Jelly

I would inform the seller that you will pull out of the purchase unless they change solicitor. Tell the agent to arrange new viewings, this will encourage them to tell the seller that you are serious.

Pixie5740

As you've already discovered the only party who can make a complaint about the solicitor is the solicitor's client.

All you can really do is what Out, Vile Jelly has suggested and put pressure on the vendor who in turn will hopefully give their solicitor a firm boot up the backside.

DaftyDuck

I've had the same thing (and I'm used to the process going fast), with absolutely nothing from the vendor's solicitor for five weeks. We have now made progress, and a concerted approach to the vendor, the estate agent, and my solicitor worked.

However, in my case, I'm aware the real reason for the delay is the vendor has found somewhere different to move to, and their solicitor has "professionally absorbed the blame" their delaying.

In your case, you can't complain, as others have pointed out, as you have no contract with those solicitors - who may, actually be doing the vendor's bidding, whatever the vendor may say. You can put pressure on the estate agent, which can be particularly effective, if they think they may lose their commission. You can suggest the vendor change solicitor. You can pull out, and find another house.

You have my sympathies. However, just as I was about to pull the plug on mine, I found out why, and was able to induce some movement....

ButterflySteps

Many thanks for everyone's reply. I think I'll give the EA a ring today.

G_M

If the seller is happy for their solicitor to be doing nothing, it suggests the seller is not really commited to the sale. Indeed, the seller may have instructed their solicitor, to hold back.

Find another property.

martindow

I would involve the estate agent. They work for the seller but probably only get paid when the sale goes ahead. If you start asking to view other houses and explain that you are on the verge of giving up with your vendor they will be very keen to push things along with the sale.

teddysmum

A phone message box being full and phone calls not being answered by a human suggests that the solicitors may have ceased trading.