Unpleasant Experience as a First-Time Buyer As a first-time buyer, I encountered several challenges during my recent property purchase. After my offer on a leasehold property was accepted—based on advice regarding the appropriate price—I discovered discrepancies upon reviewing the leasehold contract. The service charge was higher than initially stated; although the advertisement mentioned the 2022/23 rate, the latest charge was never communicated to me prior to my offer despite my inquiries. Additionally, I inquired about a nearby vacant land and was relaxingly answered by the estate agent. Later, searches revealed plans for a significant construction project in that area. It’s surprising that the estate agent was unaware of such developments. Furthermore, I noticed the council tax band was incorrectly listed. The team was reluctant to address this with the seller, suggesting I handle it post-completion. Throughout the process, I felt hurried by the estate agent, receiving minimal support as a first-time buyer. It appears that little diligence was exercised in verifying property details. Notably, I later discovered that no lenders would finance this property, rendering it unsuitable and resulting in financial loss for me. Ironically, the property’s advertisement has since been updated with this information, seemingly at my expense. These issues might have happened with whatever estate agent handled the property because estate agents rely on seller-provided information. So maybe I'm wrong but I personally feel let down. Buyers must verify their identity and financial status so it’s frustrating that property details aren’t similarly authenticated. This experience underscores the need for thorough due diligence to prevent financial losses for unsuspecting buyers.
39 High Street, Baldock, Hertfordshire, SG7 6BG, South East, UK, SG7
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