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jacr100
Posts: 11 Forumite
Hi folks
We're almost ready to exchange on our first house. The final thing we want to do is have a loft conversion specialist visit the property, to assess the feasibility and practicalities of converting the loft into a bedroom at some point in the future. This was on the advice of our building surveyor.
The vendor is very reluctant to grant permission for this - first they spoke about mess when the surveyor accessed the loft for his survey, then that they didn't want furniture moved about, and now they are asking (through agent) if we're likely to pull out if loft cannot be converted.
I've said that's unlikely - we think it can be converted - but we'd like the reassurance of an expert saying as much. Should we stick to our guns on this one? Truth is, if we really cannot create a third bedroom up there in the future, we would have doubts about buying.
Any advice very much appreciated!
We're almost ready to exchange on our first house. The final thing we want to do is have a loft conversion specialist visit the property, to assess the feasibility and practicalities of converting the loft into a bedroom at some point in the future. This was on the advice of our building surveyor.
The vendor is very reluctant to grant permission for this - first they spoke about mess when the surveyor accessed the loft for his survey, then that they didn't want furniture moved about, and now they are asking (through agent) if we're likely to pull out if loft cannot be converted.
I've said that's unlikely - we think it can be converted - but we'd like the reassurance of an expert saying as much. Should we stick to our guns on this one? Truth is, if we really cannot create a third bedroom up there in the future, we would have doubts about buying.
Any advice very much appreciated!
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Comments
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It is your money and potential happiness in your new home at stake. You really should insist on checking before exchange.
A distant second best would be to look for similar properties that have had loft conversions on the street, that could give you an indication. Try the council's planning portal to see if there have been any issues with previous loft conversion applications if properties in the street are similar.0 -
Lofts are very tricky... you want to check for sure. Offer to ensure the area is well cleaned post, any damage is paid for and more importantly, you dont drill because if you dont buy they are out of pocket0
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I think your reply should be that if it can't be converted you will pull out, if it can you are then "locked in" and a much more definite buyer, and if you cant have the survey you'll pull out anyway so what have they got to lose?
I don't understand about the mess I'd have thought they will be emptying the loft when they move anyway ?!0 -
Thanks for your advice everyone.
We insisted that the loft be inspected prior to exchange, and that is now happening :T0 -
To be fair, I'm not sure I'd be happy if my buyer said this close to exchange, I'd be very jittery about them looking for a reason to drop the price. It's something that should have been thought about at offer stage or maybe just after. Why get close to exchange and £100s/1000s down, then say you'll pull out if the loft can't be converted?
Anyway, glad it's all been sorted and hope they say potentially yes (still subject to planning/approval though I suppose).2023 wins: *must start comping again!*0
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