When Alan and Tina (names changed for anonymity) set out to purchase a flat in Manchester in June 2019, they expected a secure and straightforward transaction; however, they were met with a series of costly and distressing surprises. Soon after completion, they received a substantial invoice totalling over £48,000 for structural works. At no stage during the conveyancing process had our client been warned about these works, the section 20 notice or the onerous terms of the lease that exposed them to such risk.
Missed Red Flags & Mounting Costs
The situation quickly escalated. Despite following the proper legal channels, Alan and Tina discovered the forms that were outdated and incomplete, forms regarding service charges were left blank with no explanation or follow-up, and planning permission for major refurbishment was granted before purchase, but never flagged to the client, among a litany of other issues.
When our client tried to get to the bottom of the issues, they were simply met with more questions, including:
- No clear breakdown of charges or a schedule for future costs
- No practical support or transparency from the management company
- No advice or protection was offered at the point of the purchase
The emotional impact was significant. Our client felt trapped, overwhelmed by the financial burden and increasingly concerned that their solicitor had failed in their duty of care.
How we helped
CEL Solicitors stepped in to help, bringing clarity and support to an incredibly difficult situation. We were able to review every aspect of the original conveyancing process, identifying key failures in advice and due diligence. We investigated the planning permissions, lease terms and management correspondence to build a strong case for the negligence and pursued the matter proactively, holding the responsible parties to account and keeping our client updated every step of the way.
Sarah Sykes, the solicitor handling this case, stated, “This case shows the importance of conveyancing solicitors obtaining and properly reviewing all relevant information about properties, and the disastrous consequences for purchasers when this doesn’t happen. I was pleased to be able to help my client achieve recompense in order to move on with his life and put this unpleasant experience behind him.”
Reassurance and the Path to Recovery
While the financial and emotional toll of the unexpected charges was immense, our intervention gave our client hope and a clear route forward. Our advocacy helped them to understand their rights, challenge the negligence they had suffered and seek compensation for the losses incurred. In the end, we secured a £135,000 settlement. This compensation covered the unexpected costs and provided financial relief after years of uncertainty.
If you believe mistakes were made during your property purchase, you don’t have to face it alone. Our specialist team can review your case, explain your options, and fight for the compensation you deserve. Start your claim today by calling us on 0333 305 4982 or completing an online form.