Watkins Solicitors Featured on ITV News West: Advice for Families Inheriting Retirement Properties

Watkins Solicitors has been featured on ITV News West, commenting on a growing issue affecting grieving families across the UK, the struggle to sell inherited retirement homes due to uncapped service charges and a saturated market.

Reporter Chloe Oliver highlighted the case of Charlotte, who has been unable to sell her late mother’s retirement flat since May 2024. In the time since, Charlotte has accrued over £10,000 in service charges for a property that remains empty and unsold, an issue faced by hundreds of families each year.

Beverley Watkins, Managing Partner at Watkins Solicitors, offered practical legal guidance for families navigating similar difficulties:

“The first thing families should do is contact the people who manage the property and see if they can negotiate a reduction in the service charge, particularly if nobody is living there,” Beverley explained.

“In some cases, it may also be possible to arrange for any outstanding service charges to be paid out of the sale proceeds, easing the immediate financial pressure.”

However, Beverley also acknowledged that even with negotiation, families may still need to consider lowering the asking price to secure a sale.

The ITV News feature draws national attention to the lack of consumer protections surrounding retirement properties, where unexpected ongoing costs such as cleaning, heating, and management fees continue to apply, even after the resident has passed away. As the market becomes increasingly saturated with new developments, many grieving families are finding themselves locked into financial limbo.

Beverley’s contribution underscores Watkins Solicitors’ ongoing commitment to supporting individuals through complex and emotionally charged legal situations. The firm continues to stand with families navigating estate, property, and probate issues with clarity, compassion, and practical advice.

If you or your family are affected by issues surrounding inherited property or retirement homes, Watkins Solicitors is here to help.