New build developer wants me to use their conveyancing solicitor...

dagaffman · 15 November 2016 at 8:40AM

Good morning,

I'm interested in buying a new build house that is one of the last plots on a development. The house is finished and surrounding neighbours are already moved in. Knowing that it is the developers end of financial year next month, I've made a low offer (having heard they're often accept in these circumstances), and insisted on stamp duty paid. The sales manager is apparently putting my offer to the board for consideration after I reluctantly agreed to use their recommended solicitor. They want completion by the end of the year, so it is pretty much a condition for considering my offer.

Rightly or wrongly, i'm not sure how much I'm going to trust the developers solicitor. Does anyone know if there's such thing as a solicitor service that will check through documents and look out for my interests? The solicitor I was hoping to use has told me that we insurance won't allow her so check over others work.

Potentially putting down a £500 reservation deposit today if they accept my offer.

Thanks.

lee111s · 15 November 2016 at 10:03AM

Absolutely do not do it.

They will be working in favour of the builder and not your best interest.

Thank them for the offer but insist you will be using your own solicitors for the purchase (make sure you use a local one with a good reputation).

If they won't accept that then walk away, as much as you might want the house.