Searches

noddynoo

Hi We just had a property fall through due to japanese knotweed and damp. We paid for the searches directly to the estate agent without realising they used an intermediary. I spoke to the local council who said they had no record of it and wouldn't have if an intermediary was used. Do you think it's ok to ask to have copies just to prove they were done so that we can claim on our insurance?

Slithery

Why did you pay the EA to do searches? That's your solicitors job.

cooltt

noddynoo wrote: »

Hi We just had a property fall through due to japanese knotweed and damp. We paid for the searches directly to the estate agent without realising they used an intermediary. I spoke to the local council who said they had no record of it and wouldn't have if an intermediary was used. Do you think it's ok to ask to have copies just to prove they were done so that we can claim on our insurance?

First rule of dealing with sellars EA, everything that comes out of their mouth is a lie.

Of course you're entitled to the report, thats what you paid for!

noddynoo

The solicitors we were using were part of EAs company. Their policy was to take the fee for the searches immediately when we were in the office confirming ID in order to 'get the ball rolling' Hmm They said the local council were v busy atm and we didn't want a delay even though they never went via the council!! I am only asking for proof they were done but no on seems keen to show it

davidmcn

You're entitled to copies of everything in your solicitors' file done on your behalf, so yes you should be able to get the searches.

noddynoo

Thanks everyone They are reluctant to give me them for some reason. But were quite happy to ask me to give them our survey so that their client could see what was up!

G_M

Put your demand (yes, not a request) in writing. You paid for the searches. You should receive them.


If that fails, look up the solicitor's complaints procedure and follow that.

noddynoo

G_M wrote: »

Put your demand (yes, not a request) in writing. You paid for the searches. You should receive them.


If that fails, look up the solicitor's complaints procedure and follow that.

I've done this now thank you
No response from anyone I contacted yesterday I suppose it will be a waiting game. I worry if they resell it the agents will just use my searches. Although it fell through before us so we may have paid fo the previous buyers searches!!

Richard_Webster

Not clear what searches have got to do with Japanese Knotweed. There is no national or local record of everywhere that Japanese Knotweed exists!

Did you mean a survey? as a good surveyor ought to notice it, as long as it is not hiiden e.g.behind a shed.

You did have survey didn't you? You do know what it looks like so you could have gone and looked for yourselves?