Help To Buy - Transfer of Equity (Grrrrr!)

sybez

Hello MSE'ers!

Is anyone else struggling to get through to their appointed HTB agents? I'm in the south-east and that means it should Target HCA but the phone line is constantly on hold at number 9 or more in a queue! At 12p/m I could buy a house with my phone bill, and still not got through. Also now email inbox is "full" and also takes 7-10days for reply!

I only have some basic questions on what we need to do next with HTB element in a transfer of equity swap.

How are these "government" backed agencies qualified to even provide a service level which actually involves speaking with people!

Any help to an alternative option, non-premium phone line or other emails would be great! After two sale dropouts this year we just want to buy an ex out and get the paperwork sorted, but it seems everything with HTB takes forever and costs a fortune!

frub

My son has been trying to settle his equity loan with target for 6 months and they have been hopeless - or maybe deliberately obstructive. When you get through it will be a minimum wage agent who knows very little and fobs you off. There is no complaints system. It’s a joke.

kingstreet

Target got the contract as post-sales HTB Agent from the Government because it probably bid less than Metropolitan, the organisation which held it previously.

A number of very good HTB Agents have lost the contract for that reason. Catalyst was replaced by BPHA in the South East and the service did not get better.

carlosveiga

Has the situation improved at all?
Did any if you manage to make any positive progress with Target?

moneytorques

Ive got a complaint lodged with the FoS and my local MP as Ive had diddly squat in the way of communication from Target no Information since completion, no replies to emails, not answering the phone etc.
Madness

carlosveiga

Have you tried to call they at 9am - right when they open their phone lines? Did the trick for me!

georgia_1991

Hello, I know the original post is quite dated but just incase anyone has a similar situation..

I am in the North East but the contact number I always used was: 0345 848 0235
I always managed to get through to someone even if it meant waiting in a short queue.

Im sorry I don't have positive news but I paid my fee and requested transfer of equity on the 22nd May, I only received the sealed approved documents on the 4th October. Nearly 5 months it took me - many tearful phone calls, and unfortunately I have now paid a few mortgage over payments where I basically might aswell have set fire to £1000 in interest.

Im considering a severe complaint.. but is it going to be a waste of time. If any one does want to complain about the length of time it takes I have been advised Target is appointed by a government agency and complaints are better sent to HCA.

Hope you get yours sorted quicker then mine, its been traumatising! x