Legra Homes was named as the only agent excluded from The Property Ombudsman (TPO) between January and March after failing to pay a compensatory award. 

The sales agent, which is located in Southend-on-Sea in Essex, was excluded after a potential buyer complained that there was a substantial delay in their commitment fee being returned after the seller withdrew from the proposed sale. 

Formerly Adobe Real Estate, Legra Homes did not deny being aware of the seller pulling out and did not return the fee immediately. 

As the agent did not provide its company file to TPO, the ombudsman supported the complaint and awarded £250 in compensation, in addition to the full deposit being refunded. 

Legra Homes, which is no longer trading, has no active listings on Zoopla, Rightmove or Onthemarket. However, one of the two directors has a new real estate agency registered with the Property Redress Scheme. 

After failing to pay the award, Legra Homes was referred to the scheme’s independent Compliance Committee, which ruled that the company should be excluded from The Property Ombudsman scheme.  

Despite 2021 being another challenging year, TPO said it has maintained 98% compliance with ombudsman awards.

The Compliance Committee has also taken action against all agents that did not comply with the ombudsman’s decision. 

As part of TPO’s process, notification of these expulsions are shared with all relevant bodies, including both local and national trading standards for further investigation.