I was just about to exchange contracts on a flat when I noticed that the service charge and ground rent that had been quoted previously for a year on the website and brochure was now only for 6 months.
When viewing the property, I had queried the service charge as it had seemed a little low but the estate agent checked with the vendor and it was confirmed. I made an offer and have only now discovered, 3 months down the line and about to sign the contract, that this charge will now be double what I was expecting.
I have spoken to the EA and he was surprised as I was - he has sent me the initial documents from the seller where they had written down the service charge and ground rent per annum, but was infact only for 6 months - surely they knew that?!
I'm not too sure what to do now as I feel I have been misled, but still want the property. Should I ask for money off the agreed selling price to cover these extra costs? Did the seller do this on purpose to make the flat look more attractive??