In response to various private messages I have recieved since starting this thread, and in the spirit of transparancy, I have decided to put my answer as a post. No offence intended. Just my experience of DPL.
I would stay away from these guys! Out of all the people who contacted me after starting this thread on Singing Pig, no one has yet to do a deal with them. I haven't heard of them keeping anyone's deposit, but I haven't heard of anyone paying them one and getting it back either! So be very careful.
They are a new company without a much of a track record. I would ask to speak with previous satisified customers if you are really intent on going ahead. I did this and they couldn't supply a single name! Instead, though they did immediately offer to completely defer the £5K fee until my offer was accepted. I agreed, filled out forms, visited property, did loeads of due dilligence on rentals, current sales, past sales, £psf etc etc etc. Even spoke with neighbours and the leaseholders association for the block that I was interested in. Waited, waited, waited. Nothing. The auction came and went and they did not even bother to call me once.
If the deal stacks up well, I would get the property valued and arrange appropriate finance and bid appropriately at the auction so as to secure it with no money down.
Sorry, guys but this is not the way to do business. For some people time is money but for others it is even more.
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