Definitions and Interpretation 1.1 Empire: means The Empire Property Group Limited, a company incorporated in England and Wales (Company Number 05803166) whose registered office is at Riverbridge House, Guildford Road, Leatherhead, KT22 9AD. 1.2 You: means the person, firm, or company who engages the services of Empire to search for and identify properties, and “Your” shall be construed accordingly.
Engagement 2.1 You are under no obligation to purchase properties through Empire.
2.2 You authorise Empire to contact You when suitable property opportunities arise.
Reservation Fee 3.1 A non‑refundable reservation fee of £1,000 is payable by You to Empire upon reservation of a property.
3.2 The reservation fee shall become fully refundable once completion of the property purchase has taken place.
Finder’s Fee 4.1 Upon reservation of a property, You (the Purchaser) shall pay to Empire a finder’s fee calculated at three per cent (3%) of the purchase price plus VAT. The minimum finder’s fee payable shall be £3,250 plus VAT, unless otherwise expressly agreed in writing.
4.2 The finder’s fee is strictly non‑refundable.
4.3 The finder’s fee may, at the Purchaser’s election, be transferred towards the finder’s fee of an alternative property marketed by Empire, subject to payment of an administration fee of £1,000 plus VAT.
4.4 Where the reserved property is (i) down‑valued by a professional valuation, or (ii) determined by a qualified surveyor to require materially greater works than reasonably anticipated, the administration fee shall be waived. In such event, the full finder’s fee shall be transferable towards another property marketed by Empire.
Purchaser Obligations 5.1 You shall not contact a developer, vendor, or any of its agents regarding a property offered by Empire, except to confirm specific information (e.g., floor plans, sizes, specifications) and only with prior written authorisation from Empire.
5.2 In accordance with Anti‑Money Laundering regulations, You must supply photographic identification, proof of address, and proof of funds to Empire, Your solicitors, and Your mortgage brokers immediately after reservation. Failure to provide such documents may result in the transaction being stopped, with fees held on account and an administration fee of £1,000 charged.
5.3 Should You exchange contracts or enter into a legally binding agreement for the purchase of a property introduced by Empire within one year of introduction, You shall pay Empire an introduction fee of 3% + VAT of the purchase price.
Acknowledgements You acknowledge and agree that:
All information sent to You by Empire is private and confidential.
Not all properties introduced will match Your requirements.
Properties may be withdrawn at any time; in such cases, the reservation fee will be refunded and the finder’s fee transferred to an alternative property.
All details provided are for guidance only; valuations, photographs, floor plans, sizes, and specifications are subject to change.
You must carry out Your own due diligence.
Sellers may withdraw or change property prices at any time.
Empire does not provide legal, surveying, financial, tax, or accounting advice; You are responsible for engaging appropriate professionals.
The choice of property is Your responsibility.
You must declare all incentives received to Your mortgage lender, who may adjust borrowing accordingly.
7. Transaction Requirements
Contracts must be exchanged within six weeks of Your solicitors receiving draft papers, unless otherwise stated.
You must respond promptly to all communications and instructions from Empire. Failure to do so may result in remarketing, with fees becoming non‑refundable and non‑transferable.
Solicitors must be instructed within five days of reservation, and searches applied within 48 hours of receipt of contract. Failure may result in remarketing and a £1,000 administration fee.
Mortgage brokers must be instructed within five days of reservation, with applications submitted within the same timeframe. Failure may result in remarketing and a £1,000 administration fee.
Vendors may withdraw if You fail to respect transaction timeframes, in which case Empire reserves the right to charge a £1,000 administration fee.
Viewings must take place within two weeks of reservation; later requests are at the vendor’s discretion.
Referral Fees Empire may receive referral fees from recommended brokers and solicitors.
Payments Payments of fees or incentives by Empire may take up to 10 days from completion. Same‑day payments require prior written notice and a non‑refundable fee of £20.
Property Information Empire endeavours to ensure accuracy of information but is not responsible for inaccuracies provided by sellers, agents, or public registers. Empire shall not be liable for loss or damage arising from such inaccuracies.
Particulars Disclaimer 11.1 Property particulars provided by Empire are issued for general guidance only and do not constitute an offer or contract.
11.2 While Empire endeavours to ensure that all information (including valuations, photographs, floor plans, sizes, and specifications) is accurate and up to date, such information is supplied by third parties (including sellers, agents, and public registers) and may be subject to change.
11.3 Customers are encouraged to verify all details independently and to rely on their own due diligence, professional advice, and inspections before making any purchasing decisions.
11.4 Neither Empire nor its employees have authority to make binding warranties or representations regarding properties, save where expressly confirmed in writing by an authorised officer of Empire.
11.5 This clause does not exclude liability for fraud or fraudulent misrepresentation.
Third‑Party Services Empire may recommend providers of finance, legal, surveying, or other services but accepts no liability for loss or damage arising from such recommendations. Contracts are between You and the service provider.
Monies on Account All monies on account, including reservation and finder’s fees, may be held for a maximum of 10 years.
Limitation of Liability No party shall be liable for indirect or consequential loss, including economic loss, turnover, profits, business, or goodwill.
Indemnity You shall indemnify and hold harmless Empire against all claims and losses arising from Your acts, omissions, delays, or false information provided.
Entire Agreement This agreement constitutes the entire understanding between the parties. No reliance is placed on representations not expressly included herein. Liability for fraud is not excluded.
Termination 17.1 Empire may terminate its relationship with You by written notice at any time, provided no active property transaction is ongoing. Termination shall take effect once such transaction is completed and no fees are outstanding.
17.2 You may terminate the relationship with Empire by written notice at any time, subject to the same conditions.
Governing Law and Jurisdiction 18.1 These Terms & Conditions shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of England and Wales. 1
8.2 The parties irrevocably submit to the exclusive jurisdiction of the courts of England and Wales in respect of any dispute arising out of or in connection with these Terms & Conditions.
