Protecting home movers from fees

We all know the feeling. You’ve found the perfect home, the offer is accepted, and you’re already mentally arranging the furniture. But in the world of property, the path from "offer accepted" to "keys in hand" isn't always smooth. Sometimes, through no fault of your own, a sale or purchase can fall through, leaving you not just disappointed but out of pocket for costs already spent.

That’s where Lifetime Legal Mover Protection steps in. We want our clients to move with confidence, knowing there’s a safety net in place if things take an unexpected turn.

What is Mover Protection?

Mover Protection is designed to help you recover certain costs if your property transaction fails for reasons beyond your control. Whether you are buying, selling, or doing both, this protection can significantly soften the financial blow of a failed move.

How much can you claim?

Property Sale: Up to £800 (inc VAT).
Property Purchase: Up to £2,000 (inc VAT).
Both Sale & Purchase: Up to a maximum of £2,800 (inc VAT).

What Costs are Covered?

If your transaction hits a snag, you can request a refund for several common out-of-pocket expenses. These typically include:

Legal Fees: Coverage for both sales and purchases.
Survey and Valuation Fees: Crucial for buyers when a property issue is discovered.
Search Fees: Reclaiming costs for local authority or environmental searches.
Estate Agency & Marketing Fees: Specifically for those selling their home.
Mortgage Costs: Including broker and lender application fees for buyers.

Note: Refunds are made at the sole discretion of Lifetime Legal and are subject to specific item limits.

Common Reasons for a Refund

Life happens, and the property market can be unpredictable. Here are some of the most common scenarios where Mover Protection can help:

For Buyers:

Survey Issues: If a survey identifies major rectification work (exceeding 5% of the offer) or signs of subsidence.
Search Red Flags: If searches reveal the property is on contaminated land, in a flood plain, or subject to a compulsory purchase order.
Vendor Withdrawal: If the seller simply decides to withdraw the property for reasons outside your control.
Death or Critical Ilness Diagnosis: If You or an immediate family member dies or contracts a critical illness, sustains a serious injury, is given notice of redundancy or relocation and you are unable to proceed.

For Sellers:

Title Defects: If a search reveals a defect in the title that cannot be fixed.
Survey Issues: If a survey identifies major rectification work (exceeding 5% of the offer) or signs of subsidence.
Life Changes: For both buyers and sellers, protection applies in the event of redundancy, relocation, or serious illness within the immediate family.

Real-Life Success: Helping Ms S Keep Moving

Ms S had found a property she loved in Hull and was well into the purchasing process. Unfortunately, the journey hit a major snag when the survey results came back with significant issues.

Following these adverse results, the vendor decided to withdraw the property from the market entirely. Because Ms S had Mover Protection, she didn't have to absorb the costs of the failed purchase alone:

The Situation: The purchase was withdrawn by the vendor after survey complications.
The Resolution: Ms S submitted her claim form along with her receipts for the fees incurred.
The Outcome: Mover Protection refunded £797 to Ms S.
Speedy Support: The refund was processed within just 11 days, allowing her to put that money toward her next survey and continue her property journey without delay.

Are you currently preparing for a move and want to ensure you're fully covered?

Contact the Wigwam Team to make sure you can move with confidence: hello@wigwamhomes.co.uk / 01482505152