PLEASE READ BEFORE POSTING

Hello Forumites! In order to help keep the Forum a useful, safe and friendly place for our users, discussions around non-MoneySaving matters are not permitted per the Forum rules. While we understand that mentioning house prices may sometimes be relevant to a user's specific MoneySaving situation, we ask that you please avoid veering into broad, general debates about the market, the economy and politics, as these can unfortunately lead to abusive or hateful behaviour. Threads that are found to have derailed into wider discussions may be removed. Users who repeatedly disregard this may have their Forum account banned. Please also avoid posting personally identifiable information, including links to your own online property listing which may reveal your address. Thank you for your understanding.

Getting deposit back - help to buy

Some time ago, we have reserved off-plan new build house in London. Few days after paying the deposit of £500, we received the letter stating the completion date over 6 months later than what we've been told to us while paying the deposit. After many unsuccessful tries to contact the seller, we decided it is not worth the nerves and cancelled our reservation.

This happened mid February 2018. It is not late June and we still haven't received the deposit back. Given that the house was sold under Help To Buy scheme, I understand they are legaly obliged to return the deposit. Any form of contact with the seller ends up with "I can't do anything about this and I cannot redirect you to anyone that can". Is there anything else we can do? Is there a deadline for depoist returns under HelpToByt scheme?

Comments

  • G_M
    G_M Posts: 51,977 Forumite
    Name Dropper First Anniversary First Post Combo Breaker
    Have they
    * agreed to return it
    * refused to return it or
    * not replied to the request?

    Is it clear from the paperwork that the deposit was paid on the basis of Completion within a specific timeframe?

    Have you written formally to the company/seller/deloper, at their regstered offices, requesting the return of your deposit, stating why, and enclosing a copy of the relevant paperwork?
  • kingstreet
    kingstreet Posts: 38,763 Forumite
    First Anniversary Name Dropper Photogenic First Post
    To clarify, you've paid a reservation fee, not a deposit.

    Normally, you would be entitled to a refund of some, all or none of the fee based on the agreement you signed.

    However, you are correct that builders who sign up to HTB do commit to repaying reservation fees where the purchase doesn't proceed.

    You may wish to contact your local HTB Agent for their view on this.
    I am a mortgage broker. You should note that this site doesn't check my status as a Mortgage Adviser, so you need to take my word for it. This signature is here as I follow MSE's Mortgage Adviser Code of Conduct. Any posts on here are for information and discussion purposes only and shouldn't be seen as financial advice. Please do not send PMs asking for one-to-one-advice, or representation.
This discussion has been closed.
Meet your Ambassadors

Categories

  • All Categories
  • 343.2K Banking & Borrowing
  • 250.1K Reduce Debt & Boost Income
  • 449.7K Spending & Discounts
  • 235.3K Work, Benefits & Business
  • 608K Mortgages, Homes & Bills
  • 173.1K Life & Family
  • 247.9K Travel & Transport
  • 1.5M Hobbies & Leisure
  • 15.9K Discuss & Feedback
  • 15.1K Coronavirus Support Boards