Being forced to sell by property developer

BlackButterfly737

Update:
I decided that a move would not be a bad thing if the price is right!

The hotelier has made several offers all of which are well below the current valuation of my flat - I obtained 4 valuations from estate agents. The hotelier has so far refused to increase the offer to my asking price which was only £10k more then his last offer. He has quoted that he has offered a price based on the valuation he had done. He (or his agents) have never entered my property, so not sure what valuation he is referring to.

SquatNow made some valid comments about the hotelier needing my property to fulfill his plans of owning all the property on my road. The sale of the ground floor flat has gone through and my neighbours will be moving next week. No doubt he will come knocking once he is in the flat below!

Now I just have to play the waiting game - until he honors my asking price. I will be sure to mention the points SquatNow has raised and will emphasis that I've lived in my flat for 16 years and I am happy to stay where I am until retirement (25+ years to go ).

lonestar1

Hmm Heres hoping that the hotelier doesnt install a stereo in his new flat and leave it blasting out tunes non stop (may be his plan to get you to accept his 'valuation')

vivatifosi

What a horrid situation!

My grandparents used to run a guest house and decided to give it up as a business as fire regs were made more and more stringent and they wanted a new fire escape built. There are major rules in place, and it is right that there are.

I totally agree with SquatNow about calling the fire officer. You do want to get a better offer on your place and you're absolutely right to hang out for one, but you also don't want to be in the middle of one of those terrible news stories that we've seen from overseas where people are staying in inappropriate accommodation and burn to death because of inadequate fire safety. Particularly if due to no fault of your own you find yourself in the middle of it.

I'm normally of the view that the Health and Safety culture has gone too far in this country (especially when it comes down to stupid things like banning hanging baskets in case one falls), but this is a prime example of where it should be enforced.

Good luck butterfly!

pinkshoes

You should take an average of the valuations you got, plus

1)the cost of stamp duty for the new place you'll have to buy, (3%)
2)the cost of solicitors (buying and selling), (£2000)
3)EA fees (2%?)
4)Moving costs £1500?
5)New curtains for new property £1000 if there aren't any.


If they do start making a lot of noise in the flat below, call Environmental Health on a regular basis.

If they start putting guests downstairs, I recommend you take up flamenco dancing, clog dancing, or tap dancing. Don't forget to take up your carpet first...

BlackButterfly737

Thanks for the helpful (and amusing) comments folks.

It is a horrid situation, but I am prepared for a battle.

vivatifosi - the fire aspect is my one major concern; but if it appears that he is using the property as a hotel, I will definetly be in touch with the fire office. To make any changes to the building or its use, he requires my permission as I have a share of the freehold - the lease does not permit any changes without my agreement. If he makes any changes without my permission he will be breaking he law.

Lonestar1 - My boyfriend plays music at functions, so if the tenants or guests get too loud he will set up his sound system, more effective then my tiny stereo. Also, neighbours are backing me and said if I do need to make noise to get what I want - they will report if as coming from the flat below; I have been a good neighbour for years and we were a close network before this started. If that fails we'll start having noisy s3x, EVERY night- my boyfriend is looking forward to that bit :kisses3:!!!

PinkShoes - I don't have carpet laid but varnished floorboards, so if need be I will start walking around the house in my heals - it will be annoying to those downstairs. My asking price does include all the things you mentioned, plus a little extra on top!

I contacted my ex-neighbour who owned the house next door and also sold to the hotelier. They were given a ridiculous offer and refused. Couple of months later the hotelier offered £25k above the asking price which they accepted.

Will keep you posted.

PasturesNew

BlackButterfly737 wrote: »

I don't have carpet laid but varnished floorboards, so if need be I will start walking around the house in my heals

Rather than walking about in your heels, which would be tiresome, don't underestimate the effectiveness of becoming fit and trim:
- mini trampoline
- wii fit/running on the spot etc
- stepper machine
- treadmill