For the third time this month the team at St Helens Law has received calls from clients purchasing a new-build property, asking us to explain what is happening with their house purchase…  It perhaps doesn’t seem unusual, however in each of these cases we are not acting in the transaction!

Time and time again people buying a new property are encouraged to use a recommended solicitor – usually someone located a long way away from the buyer. More often than not, that solicitor’s main aim will be to cooperate with the builders, to ensure that they keep on being “recommended”.

In one case a client had paid money out to have a kitchen fitted, with no guarantee that they would be able to proceed.  In at least one case the client lost money because they were wrongly advised.

If you are purchasing a new build property, be smart. Don’t fall into the trap. Please seek independent, expert advice – do not settle for a lack of advice from the “recommended” lawyer.