Are there any solicitors on here specialising in Property Law?

[DearDarcy]

I understand solicitors cost money and I am more than happy to pay to see one if need be but before I do I just need to understand if I even have a case to fight for or if I am not being fair.

We bought a house in 2023, it was originally part owned by the council as a leasehold part ownership by previous owners, elderly owners died, son sold house to us, he bought the freehold of the property and the property was sold to us as freehold.

We have now had a letter from the council requesting to start paying a service charge for cleaning of communal areas, landscaping and the rubbish removal, 18 months later.

Our cul de sac has 11 houses and was built in 1980. Some of them I think are rented but some of us have bought them. We all cut our own grass, there are no communal areas. Just the road that goes in and out?

Am I right in questioning what the hell we need to pay this fee for and what on earth are we paying for?

I don’t really understand the wording and charges etc on the property register and deeds.

Hoping someone can give me some guidance x

Assuming you’re in England:

You only have to pay that charge if it says so in your house deeds, in which case your solicitor would have drawn it to your attention during the purchase process.

In the first instance, check your report/correspondence from the solicitor to make sure there’s no mention of a service charge.

Assuming there’s not, I would write back to the council stating that you bought the freehold on x date, you are not aware of any obligation to pay any kind of service charge, and if they believe you are liable they will need to provide documentation to prove it, Keep a copy of your letter and send it recorded delivery.

If you are in fact liable but were not advised about this then you may have a claim against your solicitor.

It is possible for freehold properties to be subject to service charges, but it is unusual and would have to be documented.