Charlotte
Do not use!
I had a very disappointing experience with this conveyancing firm as a solo first-time buyer. After instructing them, I received no meaningful response for nearly a month despite repeated emails and phone calls. It then took around five weeks just to complete initial background and funds checks, which caused unnecessary delay from the outset. There were also issues with how my Lifetime ISA funds were handled. Despite clearly stating multiple times how much I wanted to withdraw, the firm withdrew the full amount without my consent. In addition, these funds were requested around three weeks before an exchange date had even been agreed, due to the firm not realising the seller’s onward purchase was still progressing. This suggests matters were not being managed or communicated effectively. The most concerning issue came at the end of the process. The day before completion, I was charged an unexpected £450 + VAT “expedite fee.” I was told this was due to completing before a 120-working-day deadline. They stated that this is an ‘unforeseen circumstance’ and so an additional fee can be charged despite previously being informed by the firm that they were aiming to complete within that timeframe. The deadline was also an 8 month period which I would argue is foreseeable that the sale would complete before exactly 120 working days. When I challenged this, I was eventually given a different explanation—that the fee related to meeting the seller’s solicitor’s newly proposed dates for exchange. At no point was I made aware that agreeing to proposed dates could result in additional charges. Furthermore, it appeared to me that my solicitors were ready before the sellers onward purchase as they took my LISA fund and stated that they are awaiting the sellers onward purchase final legal proceedings. I would also argue that a 5 month completion time is not ‘fast’ given my simple chain. Given the timing—immediately before completion—I felt I had no realistic option but to pay the fee in order to proceed with the purchase. No mention of these additional fees were stated in my client care letter or initial quote despite being aware of the 120 working day deadline. Overall, I found the service to be poorly communicated and lacking transparency, particularly around costs. I would strongly advise against using this firm.
