What would you do?

TrickyDicky

We've found a house we like, and made an offer than was accepted at the beginning of October. Since then we've had a survey done with all issues sorted (there wasnt much major anyway - nothing we could negotiate over). We have had all the searches and solicitor stuff ready - and are ready to exchange. There are still questions unanswered from vendors solicitor from 19th November (minor questions) though.

Our vendors found a house and had offer accepted beginning of November. They are still currently negotiating price over 80+ issues that came up on their survey (that they didnt have done for over a month). This is the top of the chain (3 people in it - top people found an unnocupied house).

We are now in a situation where we are really eager to exchange. We're in annoying situation where we rent so want to exchange just before our end of rental period, so we can give our month's notice (or should we just take the extra month's rental hit?). Should we put a deadline on our vendors where we say exchange by this date or we drop the offer, or just withdraw completly? Should we just say we've been waiting so long we're going to look at other houses? Or should we just ride it out and wait (our mortgage offer is valid until april).

Is there any advice on this subject anyone is willing to give?

kinglewis

Get onto your solicitor and get them to chase the enquiries. They should be able to explain exact reasons why it is taking so long.. if you don't get sufficient answers then politely explain (to the estate agents and your sol) that is taking longer than you were expecting so may consider viewing other properties if things don't start moving soon. (The EA will chase it they want the sale!!)

It does seem like a long time since your offer was accepted but we have had Christmas in the middle. I'd give it till the end of Jan.. that's reasonable in my opinion.

lizzielou

speak with your landlord, I have had this situation before and have let the tenants stay on on a week by week basis after the 28 day notice period, knowing that they will be moving out soon. I have always also made it clear that viewings will take place, sometimes at short notice.

Astara

I was just going to post on a similar question. My vendor's solicitor has said that she has posted, faxed and emailed answers we required but my sol hasn't received anything! I've now emailed their estate agent saying that if we haven't heard by Friday we will start to assume they don't want to proceed and have to consider what action to take. I wonder if you could do something similar but yes speak with your landlord.