I have recently had an offer accepted on a leasehold property in Sheffield. As I'm aware of the potential difficulties of shorter leases, I checked with the estate agent and I was informed on two separate occasions and by two separate people that there were 899 years left on the lease.
On this basis, I have proceeded with the purchase of the property, spending money on solicitors fees, mortgage fees and a homebuyers survey.
After a query from my mortgage lender about the length and cost of the leasehold, I contacted the estate agent again to confirm, as well as asking my solicitor to look into this.
The estate agents again told me 899 years. However, my solicitor then informed me that there is in fact only 73 years left on the lease. I relayed this to the estate agent who after some investigating have agreed that they were given the wrong information by the seller.
I am very frustrated and annoyed by this, as I would not have even made an offer if I'd have known the length left on the lease, and I have now spent quite a lot of money on this property.
Surely the estate agents have some responsibility of checking this information when they are advertising a house. They have told me it's not their fault or responsibility.
Due to this, as well as numerous issues raised on my homebuyers survey, I am now very much considering withdrawing my offer.
Do I have a leg to stand on to complain to the estate agents? I can't help but feel they are responsible for this waste of my time and money.
Advice would be appreciated!
