Window size: condition of offer

HannahSnape · 20 March 2018 at 2:42PM

I've put an offer on a flat which has been rejected (rather unsurprisingly, because it was pretty low!), and I've been advised by the selling agent NOT to put another offer on yet, because the seller wants to do some work on the property to increase interest and attract more offers. I'm half tempted to follow this advice, but: I'm really pretty keen on this flat.

My uncle has seen pictures of the flat (which is an extension) and has questioned the size of the windows in the bedroom: they're TINY, almost letter-box style (and certainly not fire-escapable, they're too small and apart from anything they're very close to the ceiling. My uncle thinks there's a legal minimum size for bedroom windows.

So, I suppose my question is this: would it be worth making a very slightly higher offer, and explaining that the windows would need to be replaced, hence the low offer? I'm a first time buyer in Oxford (lucky me!) so this is all very new and confusing!

Thank you in advance! (and apologies if this is the wrong board)

Hannah

davidmcn · 20 March 2018 at 3:17PM

I suggest you seek advice from someone better-qualified than your uncle. Unlikely that a purpose-built flat wouldn't comply with the building regulations in force at the time of construction. Bear in mind you won't necessarily be allowed to alter the windows (and there may be good reasons for them being the way they are). Would probably need planning / building regulations / freeholders' consent.

Certainly doesn't sound like a good point to increase your offer!

stator · 20 March 2018 at 4:20PM

No, there is no point trying to get the vendor to increase window size.

Make your offer for what you think it is worth (ignore the estate agents).
Once you own the flat make the windows whatever size you want (assuming you are allowed to, you might be refused planning permission depending on location)

hazyjo · 20 March 2018 at 4:30PM

Guessing it would alter the outside of the building which probably won't be allowed if it's uniform with other flats or if it's listed. Is it converted industrial?

Either that, or it overlooks another property and that's all they could do to get past planning.

There was someone on here selling or buying (the latter I think) a flat recently where the bedroom was within the flat with the only window leading onto a hallway behind it. The window was very high, narrow, and possibly obscured glass.

HannahSnape · 20 March 2018 at 4:59PM

Thanks for your replies - I think I'm just desperately clutching at straws! Logically, the windows must be that small for a reason, otherwise planning permission wouldn't've been granted in the first place. Maybe the window size is of more relevance if you're renting/HMOing....

pinklady21 · 20 March 2018 at 5:14PM

The flat is an "extension" - to what exactly? Was it built recently?
You could try asking the planning dept at the local Council why the windows were designed in the way they were. It could have been deliberate due to overlooking / privacy or some such issue.
You could also ask the question as to whether they would be likely to approve of changes that would increase the size of the windows.

Smodlet · 20 March 2018 at 5:14PM

If the windows are not an option for escape in the event of a fire, what is? Is it realistic? Accessible? Ventilation will not be easy during hot weather if they are so small. Is there an outside door to this bedroom?

Sounds like a good miss to me.

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Window size: condition of offer

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