Conveyancer made a mistake

[twirlywhoops]

I've just sold my flat and in the process of the sale it came to light that the layout of the flat was significantly different to the lease plan.

In order to sort it out I had to get a deed of variation and get that agreed with the freeholder. It took a couple of months, three sets of lawyers and thousands of pounds. The sale nearly fell through and it was horribly stressful.

The thing is, I didn't alter the floor plan. I was the first owner (new build) and I don't recall ever seeing the lease plan when I bought it.

So, I'm wondering if I should raise this with the original conveyancer? I'm not sure if there is any point. But I suppose I want them to know that a significant oversight was made and I wouldn't like anyone else to have that
stress.

Yes, it sounds like your original conveyancer made a mistake that has cost you money and inconvenience . Look up their complaints procedure and go from there.

Thanks for responding- I wasn't sure if I was being reasonable. The whole process has been really stressful and complicated.

There is a process you can follow - was the original conveyancer regulated by the SRA? There are online guides about writing complaint letters, sorry I'm in a rush can't check now but could hunt later. If successful your claim could result in them covering your costs so it is well worthwhile.

In the property boom of 88 I know someone who thought he was buying new-build one-bed flat no.“5” When it was time to sign the paperwork the developer had switched round the flat numbers on the plans so that no 5 was now a studio flat (for the same money!!) needless to say he didn’t buy it!

Buyer beware!

Thanks Tiddle, I'll do some research. This has given me confidence to pursue it.

Did you make any significant alterations to the property whilst it was yours? Knock any walls through, create any new ones?

Nope