Solicitor is holding on to my money and ignoring me

JKE11

Long story short, I was a cash buyer who hoped to buy a house last week. I transferred the money in anticipation on advise of the solicitor a couple days before it was meant to complete. On the day I was expected to buy, the solicitor called me. I won't go into great details, but it turns out I'm effectively buying a leasehold with few years left, instead of a freehold house (I was never told this over 6 months of dealing with the solicitor). They said it could take months to iron out, if at all and offered a refund.

It's now been 3 days and no refund. I've phoned them numerous times and the solicitor even sent a screenshot of an excel file, claiming it had been sent (this was not proof of anything whatsoever...upon further chasing he never replied to my email).

I've spoken to their call team who have said the money will be refunded at some point, but I need it asap as it's matter of urgency and it's completely their fault. I was wondering if there's any people to talk to. I looked at the ombudsman but they have woeful google reviews. Any help?

user1977

You pursue the firm's complaints procedure in the first instance (should have been given details of that at the outset).

Thrugelmir

You aren't the solicitors only client. If this only working day 3. Give them a chance to do the necessary administration.

JKE11

Thrugelmir said:

You aren't the solicitors only client. If this only working day 3. Give them a chance to do the necessary administration.

It's literally a 2 minute bank transfer and they've had the money for 10 days now...This is not advise.

AdrianC

JKE11 said:

I won't go into great details, but it turns out I'm effectively buying a leasehold with few years left, instead of a freehold house (I was never told this over 6 months of dealing with the solicitor).

I suspect the details here would be very useful indeed.

JKE11

AdrianC said:

JKE11 said:

I won't go into great details, but it turns out I'm effectively buying a leasehold with few years left, instead of a freehold house (I was never told this over 6 months of dealing with the solicitor).

I suspect the details here would be very useful indeed.

Basically, it turns out that the house has in fact a lease on it, which could theoretically get me evicted one day after paying for it. The point is, they are not refunding my money as promised.

london21

JKE11 said:

Long story short, I was a cash buyer who hoped to buy a house last week. I transferred the money in anticipation on advise of the solicitor a couple days before it was meant to complete. On the day I was expected to buy, the solicitor called me. I won't go into great details, but it turns out I'm effectively buying a leasehold with few years left, instead of a freehold house (I was never told this over 6 months of dealing with the solicitor). They said it could take months to iron out, if at all and offered a refund.

It's now been 3 days and no refund. I've phoned them numerous times and the solicitor even sent a screenshot of an excel file, claiming it had been sent (this was not proof of anything whatsoever...upon further chasing he never replied to my email).

I've spoken to their call team who have said the money will be refunded at some point, but I need it asap as it's matter of urgency and it's completely their fault. I was wondering if there's any people to talk to. I looked at the ombudsman but they have woeful google reviews. Any help?

I will give them a few days. The conveyancing companies have been swamped with workload with meeting the stamp duty deadlines. Give them 5 working days then start chasing. There might be a procedure which is taking time .