Buying Repossessions Guide

MSE_Helen_S · 12 June 2014 at 1:48PM

Hi!

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Thanks folks,

davidmcn · 12 June 2014 at 2:03PM

I would say you're being a bit optimistic about the bargains to be had. In my experience repo properties seem to be selling at the prices you'd expect for the condition they're in, and in popular areas can fetch good prices. Banks do want to sell reasonably quickly, but they don't just snap up the first offer going.

eddddy · 12 June 2014 at 3:05PM

I think this comment is hugely misleading:

It’s possible to pick up repossessed or distressed properties at up to 30% off the market price.

Repossessed properties sell at their true market price. I think what you are trying to say is something like:

Repossessed properties are sometimes unmodernised and poorly maintained, and the vendor will want a quick sale.

Unmodernised, poorly maintained properties where the vendor wants a quick sale can sometimes sell for 30% less than similar modernised, well maintained properties where the vendor does not specifically need a quick sale

So if modernising and repairing the property costs less than the 30% difference, you could have a bargain.

If modernising and repairing the property costs more than the 30% difference, it's probably not worth bothering.

Also you seem to have missed out really important considerations like:

Is the property likely to mortgagable?
You're likely to need more ready cash (as opposed to mortgage)
The increased risk of losing legal fees, survey fees and mortgage fees - because the vendor has a duty to accept late, higher offers.

And finally, you say:

Your best bet is to visit the property several times, crucially, with a solicitor or surveyor.

Why would you take a solicitor to visit a property???

kawaiiuk · 12 June 2014 at 3:44PM

We are buying a repossession, it was a rented property and seems to be in pretty good condition, the landlord wasn't paying the mortgage.

It has gone smoothly so far, although its been a swift learning curve when we realise how quickly they wanted to complete and that anyone could put an offer in until completion.

One hiccup now though as I mentioned in another thread, we are due to complete next week and we have just discovered that there is a management company overseeing the estate who money is owed to. However the management company are ignoring all efforts of our solicitor, the vendors solicitor and the estate agents to chase it. We can't complete until settled or we become liable for the debt!! Bit of a nightmare.

Otherwise so far I would recommend a repossession, we certainly couldn't have afforded on this estate without them dropping the price for a quick sale.

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Buying Repossessions Guide

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