Putting an offer on a SSTC house

Person_one

I could never do this, as I'd be devastated if it were done to me so I won't put someone else through it, I would also never accept an offer from a gazumper as I would be concerned they'd try to screw me over too at some point in the process as they clearly have no qualms about it! I think the only time its even the slightest bit acceptable is on repossessed properties where buyers understand the risks they're taking and sellers are under a legal obligation to get the best price they can.

In reality, gazumping doesn't work all that often. The agents don't want to get into it. If the first buyer has a mortgage offer, proof of funds, a survey done etc etc. they don't want to throw that away for a new buyer who may or may not follow through. Plus, a few grand extra on the sold price doesn't add up to all that much extra commission for the agent, especially considering all the extra time and effort they then have to put in.

A bird in the hand and all that.

(PS. Adultery is not illegal but most of us agree its pretty immoral, just for one example)

Soubrette

Fly_Baby wrote: »

...lovely persons at that). I might refuse but would not think bad of them, maybe sorry that they missed it.

That's actually quite funny

You can't honestly believe that you are a lovely person and yet be quite happy to put someone through the pain, inconvenience and expense of losing the house they've made an offer on?

How about, like the rest of us, sometimes you're lovely and sometimes you're !!!!!!

Fly_Baby

Soubrette wrote: »

That's actually quite funny

You can't honestly believe that you are a lovely person and yet be quite happy to put someone through the pain, inconvenience and expense of losing the house they've made an offer on?

How about, like the rest of us, sometimes you're lovely and sometimes you're !!!!!!

Not that I am trying to convince you or myself, but they won't exactly lose the house because of me - in the end of the day, it's the seller's decision, isn't it?

How about - that's your outlook and that's mine, so we don't call each other !!!!!!?

Person_one

Fly Baby, it seems a little like you know this is not the nicest thing to do to someone but you really really like the property so you're trying to talk yourself into it.

Would it not bother you for months or even years if you got your house this way?

Soubrette

Fly_Baby wrote: »

Not that I am trying to convince you or myself, but they won't exactly lose the house because of me - in the end of the day, it's the seller's decision, isn't it?

How about - that's your outlook and that's mine, so we don't call each other !!!!!!?

If you don't think it's !!!!!! then why do you keep coming back with unconvincing arguments such as

a) it's the rough and tumble of the housing market
b) it's not illegal so how can it be moral
c) I wouldn't be upset if someone did it to me (hats off to you if that is the case, come back and tell us if it does ever happen and I will openly admire your fortitude.
d) Its actually the buyers fault not mine.

Basically it is a !!!!!! thing to do someone and not a lovely thing to do someone.

If you can live with that, and take the small risk the buyer won't consider you !!!!!! then go ahead.

Just stop pretending it's not !!!!!!....because it is.

Edited to add, also if the seller decides not to take a higher offer, that doesn't make the fact that you offered it not !!!!!! - that would just be a failed !!!!!! action.

Fly_Baby

Person_one wrote: »

Fly Baby, it seems a little like you know this is not the nicest thing to do to someone but you really really like the property so you're trying to talk yourself into it.

Would it not bother you for months or even years if you got your house this way?

I honestly don't know. I know that I am sick of renting, that even if similar houses come up they wouldn't be the same (this one is slightly extended and we do need some office area because I work from home), so it is just so perfect, in everyrespect, ticks ALL boxes we were looking for and yet to find in any house, even more expensive ones - and it was affordable at that! I am close to tears...

Fly_Baby

I know that it would be tough for the buyer. They would probably feel better if the seller pulled out due to some more honourable reason, like the end result would be the same - the buyer would lose the house and all the money they'd have spent.

ItMightBeUsefulOneDay

Fly_Baby wrote: »

But in this case I am struggling to understand how something that's perceived very immoral by many, can still be perfectly legal.

It's perfectly legal to walk out on your partner when you find they are dying of terminal cancer and have only days to live. But many would find this somewhat morally offensive.

It's illegal to firmly lay the boot in when you find a burglar in your house but many would find this somewhat morally acceptable.

Morality and legality are not, sadly, the same thing in this country.

To the OPs original question, yes, legally you can offer on a house that is SSTC. Many however will find this morally offensive. If this includes the seller of the property you might find that even if the current sale falls through, you are not offered the property. If this includes people in the village/town where you are now living, don't expect a warm welcome everywhere you go.

giddypenguin

This has just happened in our chain (10 minutes before exchange), and 5 families have just lost between £1000-£1500 in fees etc.

I would call the person that caused that pretty !!!!!!.

Person_one

Fly_Baby wrote: »

I honestly don't know. I know that I am sick of renting, that even if similar houses come up they wouldn't be the same (this one is slightly extended and we do need some office area because I work from home), so it is just so perfect, in everyrespect, ticks ALL boxes we were looking for and yet to find in any house, even more expensive ones - and it was affordable at that! I am close to tears...

It is upsetting, but I think every 'househunt' has the one that got away.

When you do find your new home you will look back at this one and tell yourself how lucky you were that you missed it, how things worked out sooo much better because you went on that month's holiday.

All you can do is tell the agents you'd be interested should it fall through. Then keep looking, every single day, and make sure ALL the local agents know just how keen you are. I'd also suggest not going on any more holidays for a bit!

Remember, the chance of a higher offer at this stage actually getting you the property are actually pretty slim. If you try it you may have crossed that moral line for no reason, which certainly won't make you feel any better.