Re: Who holds the ohuse deposit
Oh yes, I agree.
But you do need to remember that withdrawals between deposit stage and signing of contracts are all too common in the industry. It's not unusual for some householders to have received as many as 3 separate offers and deposits on a property.
The reason that the estate agent retains the deposit is in case the proposed purchaser decides to withdraw from the sale. It is easier to refund the deposit from their offices rather than to go through a rigmarole of solicitors letters etc.
But overall a pain, without a doubt. If you have signed contracts though, the bank should have little difficulty in sorting you out with something - just talk to your manager.