Query re: Solicitors letter I received (re:House Purchase)

Hi there, I know the subject title is not very clear, apologies.

I am waiting to sign for my new house, and received a letter from my solicitor to advise me that they require payment, which is fine (although I didnt think I would have to hand any money over to them until the job was done). Anyway the letter also says: " We are awaiting confirmation from the Vendors Solicitors as to the amount of services charges to be paid by you and this will also require a cheque from you".

My question is what are these service charges?? As far as I knew the only money I had to hand over now was my solc. fee? Can someone please advise me? Ive tried calling my solc. but he is out of the office. Thanks in advance!

Tonash said:

I am waiting to sign for my new house, and received a letter from my solicitor to advise me that they require payment, which is fine (although I didnt think I would have to hand any money over to them until the job was done).

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Is this perhaps the balance of the 10% deposit exclusive of any booking deposit already paid? How much as a percentage of the purchase price have you paid to date and how much is due now?

Anyway the letter also says: " We are awaiting confirmation from the Vendors Solicitors as to the amount of services charges to be paid by you and this will also require a cheque from you".

My question is what are these service charges??

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Is it a private apartment or housing development that has a management company and thus management charges that perhaps have to be paid in advance?

Or alternatively the vendor could have paid for example refuse charges for the year and now be seeking an apportionment.

Thanks Clubman and Vanilla!

We have already handed over 8% of the purchase price and the remaining 92% will be our mortgage (IYKWIM?!)

And yes Ive just remembered there is a management company fee! I never thought of that! So I presume thats what this service charge is?! Phew!

So do you think I should pay my solc. before we close? Is this the norm?

Thank you both very much!

Yes it is the 'norm' and in fact your solicitor has given an undertaking to your bank that he will be in funds before closing.

Thats grand so! Cheers!

Tonash said:

We have already handed over 8% of the purchase price and the remaining 92% will be our mortgage (IYKWIM?!)

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Are you saying that the balance of 92% (in the form of a cheque or draft from the mortgage lender I presume) plus service charges are due now? If this is the case then presumably the property is complete? Have you done you snagging/surveying etc.?

Double check the details with your solicitor when you can contact them.

Clubman, yes the property is complete we will be doing our snag next week, will check everything with solicitor though, thanks again!