Appreciate if anyone can guide me on this one.
Recently completed on the purchase of an apartment that was to be every much a 'last purchase' into retirement. As such, the financial situation was all important and very much a deciding factor into whether to proceed on the purchase or not. Both the marketing agents and sellers solicitors provided information that the council tax banding stood at D which was fine by me as I was prepared to appeal against the banding as it seemed high at the time. However, it was not a deal breaker.
After moving in and contacting the local authority, I was charged on a band E basis, some £400 a year more than the lower band. On investigation, it appears that the original bandings had been 'incorrect' and the Valuation Office Agency had changed them from D to E some three years ago.
However, neither the marketing agents or the sellers solicitors had checked that the information was current.
My question is does any culpability exist here as I am now subject to a further £400 a year cost that remains unseen and therefore unplanned. OR is this a case of 'buyer beware' and I am simply the author or my own misfortune? I have written to both parties in complaint, some two weeks ago, but they have mysteriously failed to respond!
Thanks!
Recently completed on the purchase of an apartment that was to be every much a 'last purchase' into retirement. As such, the financial situation was all important and very much a deciding factor into whether to proceed on the purchase or not. Both the marketing agents and sellers solicitors provided information that the council tax banding stood at D which was fine by me as I was prepared to appeal against the banding as it seemed high at the time. However, it was not a deal breaker.
After moving in and contacting the local authority, I was charged on a band E basis, some £400 a year more than the lower band. On investigation, it appears that the original bandings had been 'incorrect' and the Valuation Office Agency had changed them from D to E some three years ago.
However, neither the marketing agents or the sellers solicitors had checked that the information was current.
My question is does any culpability exist here as I am now subject to a further £400 a year cost that remains unseen and therefore unplanned. OR is this a case of 'buyer beware' and I am simply the author or my own misfortune? I have written to both parties in complaint, some two weeks ago, but they have mysteriously failed to respond!
Thanks!
Comment