What if?

newhome4us

Hi all,

Well it lloks like our offer on the property might finally be accepted, but we were told this is due to seller being ill, which I imagine can bring the whole new set of problems?
We don't know what the illness is, or indeed how serious it is, as we've been dealing with sellers relative from the very beggining, as they are living in the property at the moment, so we didn't see that as a problem.

Can anyone advise on any potential problems should the worse happen before we exchange? What are implication, if any in these sort of cases?

Many thanks in advance

BornAtTheRightTime

You need to be sure the relative has power of attorney to sell the house, or that the seller's illness won't prevent them from conducting the sale personally, or that the relative will be granted PoA should it be required. Once your offer is accepted mention your concern to your solicitor and let them worry about it.
Other than that, I wouldn't worry too much. Far better to know the vendor is ill and a relative be ready to step in, than a vendor suddenly take ill near exchange with no warning.

hazyjo

I'd be as worried about 'after we exchange'. Not sure what happens if someone dies after exchange and before completion... definitely look into that, or consider exchanging and completing on the same day (hate that, but might be worth thinking about).

Hopefully they won't quite be at death's door, but best to think worst case scenario IMO!

Jx

nell53

Depends if seller's relative owns the property, has power of attorney, or is just living there. If the vendor dies before you exchange, then it means either no sle at all, or would take a while to sort out, even with POA.