The New Build Ticking Time Bomb

Most large developers of new build property actively look to steer buyers in the direction of a ‘friendly’ conveyancer.  This step is taken for several reasons mainly to do with the developer’s desire to exercise a degree of control over the buyer’s solicitor.  The influence exercised is discreet but there is no getting away from the fact is exists and raises serious professional issues in relation to conflict of interest and independence.  I wonder how many of these conveyancing firms report this situation in accordance with Chapter 10 (Solicitors Code 2011) obligations and or in accordance with COLP reporting requirements.

This situation has come more into focus with the recent uncovering of failures on the part of some of these firms to advise fully on the mechanics and long term consequences of rent review clauses contained in leases.  It is claimed that this failure is widespread and could result in a wave of professional negligence claims.

Many buyers of leasehold new build property have been unaware that the ground rent on new-build leasehold properties purchased can escalate dramatically in the future.  This is where the lease provides for the rent to be double every 10 years, for example.   Some developers have changed their approach and have linked the rise in ground rent to the retail price index which is a much fairer and less onerous mechanism. 

In a statement issued by one of the large developers Taylor Wimpey it is stated:

“We reviewed the mechanism for ground rent increases in 2011 and decided that the RPI was a more appropriate measure going forward. All Taylor Wimpey homes on developments commenced after 2011 have been sold with ground rent increases linked to the RPI. All purchasers have independent legal advice.

“Until recently, we hadn’t been aware of the concern of some customers and homeowners regarding these pre-RPI clauses and the difficulties that they are currently experiencing in selling or mortgaging their homes. Having heard the cases described and in order to establish the facts, we are undertaking a review.”

A conveyancer acting for the buyer owes both the buyer and if the buyer is purchasing with a mortgage, the lender a duty of care which would require that conveyancer to bring to the buyer’s and lender’s attention any part of the lease which could be viewed as onerous and which could materially affect the value of the property.

In addition to this the Consumer Rights Act (2015), gives home owners the opportunity to seek legal redress against solicitors where they can prove they were not given adequate information to make an informed decision.

Many of the ‘friendly’ conveyancers concerned are financially dependent on this type of ‘referral’ and it must be questioned whether the advice they provide to buyers is completely independent. Some cannot afford to lose this source of work and often hesitant to do anything which could be seen by the developer as ‘hindering’ the progress of the transaction. The degree to which this may have contributed to the failure to properly advice has yet to be investigated but it is clear that given the spate of professional negligence claims it will not be too long before this well-established practice within the industry is fully exposed.

It will also be interesting to see how the role of the developer’s selling agent will be viewed and considered.  Many of these agents are paid on a commission basis and are often very ‘pushy’.  There have been examples quoted of an agent ‘selling’ the property on the basis of a monthly ground rent figure rather than a yearly figure resulting in a misleading picture of the true cost of the purchase.  It will be also interesting to see whether a Court could look to apportion some or all of this liability in the developer’s direction if it could be shown that the relationship between the developer and the ‘recommended’ solicitor was so close that it amounted to an ‘agency arrangement’.

Cosy arrangements of this type must come to an end ( as they do not serve the buyer’s best interests)  and it seems the bubble enjoyed by many may be on the verge of bursting soon.

MJP Conveyancing are solicitors who provide legal advice and services to clients based in England and Wales and who can be contacted on 01603877067 or via email at david@mjpconveyancing.com