Solicitors Fees for house sale that fell through

Is it common practice for solicitors to charge 50% of costs for house deal that fell through.

The house was at "Booking deposit" phase, with buyer stating he had land to sell, was coming into money etc ... but eventually sale fell through.

The house is still for sale, and solicitors have deeds, but they sent a bill for 900EUR covering half solicitors fee, postage VAT etc ...

If contracts were issued then in fairness the solicitor has probably done a good share of the overall work involved.

However I don't think that charging 50% of the fee is standard practice, albeit that they almost undoubtedly are entitled to do so.

I would suggest that you talk to them directly- if you tell them you will go with them on a future sale they might reduce the fee.

In the alternative ( since they are entitled to fees for work done) you could ask them in the event of a future sale, since they have already done half the work, will they charge half the fee on the future sale.

Talking to them directly, politely and asking for a discount, or the above is the best way to go.

Thanks for reply Vanilla,

No doubt they have done work, and deserve payment , my query is the amount, this is over 60% of my expectation of successful sale, and was not agreed, or signed off beforehand.

Auctioneer says he has never heard of these charges, hence my question.