Offer accepted but . . . . .

Lindy_Loo_3

Thanks JayZed

I know I'm being rather picky as the house really does tick all of our boxes but I'm a fairly new parent (little one is just 2) and absolutely paranoid about the parking on such a busy road (it's round the corner from an industrial estate leading and is the main road to the next village).

Update:

The EA just came back to me and gave the impression that the vendor was annoyed with us for making our offer subject to planning consent - despite our reasons and offer to pay for the planning application. I can appreciate this but I thought being upfront would be the best thing for all parties before solicitors started charging for work . . . .

He (Mr Owner) said that we viewed the property knowing it had no off road parking so should of made our decision based only on that - with all fairness, we discussed the parking issue when we were viewing with Mrs Owner and she said "there's precedent to get a dropped kerb because the neighbours have" which led us to make an offer then get the kerb dropped. It's only because I was so keen on the property that I contacted the Council's Planning department and I'm glad I did now because IF we compromise on our tick list, I want it to be because it's our informed choice, not because we were misled (even if it wasn't intentional although they were such nice people).

Maybe I should have made these enquiries before putting in the offer? I feel so naive and like I’m wasting everyone’s time when all we’re trying to do is being completely honest for all parties.

As it stands, the estate agents are marketing the property and telling prospective buyers that there are some offers on the table but none immediately proceedable (is that even a word?) J

Thanks again all

pawpurrs

I can see why the vendors are annoyed, I would be too. If it was a deal breaker, then yes you should have done your research before you offered. But lesson learnt and all that! How long ago did you put your offer in?
At least you have been upfront now, and hopefully he planning department will come up with the news you want, and before someone else offers on the propery.

Lindy_Loo_3

We put the offer in on Saturday, owners were away till Monday, accepted yesterday morning and found out about the planning permission thing yesterday afternoon / evening. Called the agent first thing today.

Definately lesson learnt this time - feel terrible for the owners but the offer is still on the table only subject to PP. Should note that they are in absolutely no rush to move - they are retiring to the seaside so ideally wanted someone who would commit but give them a few months to find their own place (which we were and are).

The estate agents has asked for the owners written permission so that we can go ahead with the planning application but Mr Owner is reluctant to without talking to his wife first. Fair enough, god knows I'd be tempted to say no because we look like troublemakers! Just makes me wonder if they already know the outcome because of their neighbour being refused it (it's a semi detached by the way).

Well, learning along the way - may start to post for advice before making any other offers to save making a mess of things!

Lindy_Loo_3

Well in case anyone was interested to know, the owners refused us permission to submit a planning application at our cost for the driveway even with our offer left on the table and the property being marketed as available.

Shame but we have to respect their decision.

However, every cloud. . . . . . a house on the same road to almost the same specification just came on the market today with a driveway We're viewing tomorrow and hopefully will tick all our boxes off!

Will make sure I've given it COMPLETE consideration this time before making an offer. Fingers crossed and thanks again to everyone who gave their invaluable advice.

planning_officer

It sounds like they think the planning application could be refused and I suppose they don't want it to show up in the property history for any other future buyers - as then it's there in black and white... 'no driveway will be permitted here'!! Good luck with the house hunt though!

ShelleyC_2

I don't think you were unfair making an offer as you did want the house and had been led to believe you would get planning permission. Given that the vendor has now refused to let you apply for it suggests they know it'd be rejected.

Bet you're glad you thought to discuss with planning dept even if their advise was bit dodgy!

Good luck finding a perfect home with a drive.