Engrossment fee

lee26g

Hi all,
I made a cash purchase on a repossessed flat last week.
The flat was shared ownership. The purchase needed to be a simultaneous completion and exchange so the seller (an asset management firm) could use the money to staircase up to 100% at the same time (simultaneous staircase).
My solicitor charged me an extra £400 for the simultaneous completion and exchange.
The lease term remains unchanged.

I am now being told that the seller solicitor requires £90 payment for TR2 engrossment fees. 
My solicitor is saying that they had to agree to pay this the following week or they wouldnt have been able to complete the purchase.

I am confused on my I am being asked to pay the sellers solicitor fees. My solicitor is pretty clueless to be honest.

Does this make any sense? what is the consequence of me refusing to pay it?

Any help would be much appreciated
Thanks

loubel

Usually the buyer's solicitor drafts the Transfer Deed but some transactions require the seller's solicitor to do it (such as buying a repossession) and it is pretty standard for them to charge the buyer for them doing this.

The fee should have been set out in the contract and explained to you before exchange so your solicitor is entitled to ask you to pay now they have realised they were short on completion. If you don't pay your solicitors then they may pursue you for the money.

lee26g

thank you!