Death of Prev Owner - Opinions

tyllwyd

I originally thought you'd bought a house with a history, and you were annoyed with the solicitor for not telling you, and I would have said that there isn't much you can complain about, they hadn't done anything actually wrong.

But if you are the solicitor with the client, I think I'd say you should tell them - you are working for them, not the vendor, so if it might affect the way they feel about the house, I'd think the balance would be for you to tell them rather than hide it. I'd expect my solicitor to pass on all the information, good or bad, that they have about a house, rather than hiding things from me.

littledisey

Yes, I am the solicitor acting for the buyer

This case has been the subject of debate within my firm, and whilst a couple of colleagues have said they would rather not know about it - when I say yes, but what happens when someone tells them - as is bound to happen - the view is that we ought to let them know. Not make it part of our legal report on the title and property, but mention it to them on the phone.

The reason I posted the question here is because I wanted to get an idea of what the general consensus would be - so its been helpful to see all your replies - thanks

I am going to mention it to her in call. Whats the betting after all my worrying she turns around and says "yeah I know, thats why its such a good deal "

tattyuk75

I definitely would rather know than hear from the neighbours after moving in, I would feel that I should've been told. I appreciate that every house has a history and like another poster said, that these days, older houses probably have seen events such as a death in the house. If it was the case that the buyer would never find out then no harm, but she will find out from neighbours I'm sure, some people love a bit of drama like that unfortunately. I say tell her and then the decision is hers as to whether she is ok with the houses' history, rather than her feeling uncomfortable and stuck in a house that creeps her out, moral question for you really.

WheelieWood

I'd go 50/50... mention that a previous owner died in the property and see how your client reacts to that before deciding whether or not to say it was a suicide.

That way you can find out if she knows before relaying all the details.

If its news to her and she seems a bit spooked, don't mention the suicide. If she's not overly bothered by the death you can either leave it to the neighbours to fill in the details (knowing that you didn't leave her fully in the dark) or mention in passing that it was sadly a suicide.

DVardysShadow

littledisey wrote: »

... It is not a legal point, and if the title had already been changed into the other co-owners name there would be no reason for them to know - but if the sols did know, do you think they should tell you anyway.

Any opinions ?

Should tell if you know. The matter is entirely the buyer's call and it is not up to the solicitor to second guess.

Suzanne_Louise

I was told by my solicitor that the husband in the house that I bought had died at the age of 34 of an aneurysm. 9 years later, I still own the house (but rent it out), and I've always wondered if he actually died in the house. I think it's best that you explain to your client that the previous owner had died, and how, but leave it up to them as to whether they want to proceed or not.

Sammy85_2

We looked at an extremely cheap house a couple of years ago. It was a good £40k cheaper than the scummiest house on the street. We thought we were onto a winner, so sat down and discussed it one evening with the in-laws. Turned out there had been a murder there some 5 years before. We even discussed the purchase with a friend who unknown to us had investigated the murder. After hearing the gruesome details there was no way i could even step inside the house, let alone buy it.

Turned out that the seller was an out of town investor who had bought it unseen and did not know its history. He rented it out, but the tenants were moving on every 6 months, i can only assume they were finding out the history and getting out as soon as they could.

If it had been a natural death then it wouldnt have been an issue for me, i could probably deal with it if it had been a suicide, but my first thought was that i couldnt sit in the living room knowing what had gone on in there, and later it occured to me what if they guy came round or was loitering on the street once he gets released from Prison, its not unknown for offenders to visit the scene of the crime on release.



On another point - our old house was built in the 1850's - i dread to think how many people have been laid out in the front room in their sunday best awaiting burial. It was the done thing before funeral homes came about. I thought about it once or twice, but with the age of the house we fully expected this to have been the case and that numerous people have probably passed away in the house. It wasnt something we dwelled on day to day.

neverdespairgirl

littledisey wrote: »

If you were buying a house and you discovered the previous owner had died by suicide - would that affect your decision to buy it

Also, would you feel it is something your solicitor or conveyancer should have told you about (assuming they were aware of the fact)

No, and yes. I wouldn't care, but would expect to be told.

satchmeister

I would prefer to the told rather than find out later, and they will find out later.

tawse57

I think it all depends upon the type of person you are - I personally could not buy such a house and know that there is a house not far from myself where the husband, after about 40 years of marriage, allegedly murdered his wife one day seemingly out of the blue. I could not live there.

But it all depends upon the individuals. Some people just brush such things off, other people are very sensitive to it. Some people, perhaps spiritual, would argue that there is bad karma in such a place. Other people, again perhaps spirtual, might say that the person's Soul has moved on. It all depends upon who you are.

I suppose a concern might be your family and friends - whilst a buyer might be happy to live in such a house it might put others off coming and visiting, etc.

I would expect to be told though.