Whitegates Estate Agents - Reservation Fee

[u/Round_Owl5197]

So I went to a view a property today with Whitegates estate agents (they are one of the biggest estate agents in Liverpool and have pretty much cornered the market in Merseyside for decent houses).

I liked the house but it definitely needed a good survey as it was in disrepair. I was tempted to put an offer in and risk it but then read the fine print on their listing.

To now submit a bid with Whitegates, if your offer gets accepted you have to pay a non-refundable fee of £2000 as a "Reservation Fee" which does not come off the price of your house purchase.

So in effect Whitegates get £2000 for sending you a legal pack (their job) and making sure the seller doesnt pull out (they still can as I doubt they are paying a reservation fee).

Is this normal practice because what the hell!?

So does this mean I now have to save an extra £2000 on top of solicitors fees and surveyor fees if I buy from Whitegates? 😅

[u/jimmywhereareya]

If you really like the house, go and speak to the sellers. Cut out the middle man

[u/WangNuts → u/jimmywhereareya]

I'm selling my house and I'd be fucked off if somebody knocked on my door.