I have someone else's survey;

Seanymph

I have been to see a house that we are definitely interested in - waiting for a second viewing appointment.

In conversation this weekend I found that the buyer that had let them down (TWICE!) in the last six months is the parents of a friend.

So, they called their parents, and I am now in possession of their housebuying survey, all the guarantees and paperwork, details of underpinning (which neither the vendor NOR the EA has yet disclosed to me).

Should I tell them I have it?

poppysarah

You could ask if the property has ever been underpinned and see who spills the beans.

Jenniefour

Do you want the property now you know it's been underpinned? Having the survey gives you a chance to decide whether you want to go ahead now or not - without incurring any fees. Neither the agent or the vendor is obliged to tell you at this stage that it has been underpinned - this is normally something that would come to light later on - when money has already been spent.

Can't imagine why you would want to tell the buyer you have the survey, not sure what the purpose of that would serve. You are simply in the position of knowing facts about the property that you otherwise wouldn't have had until further down the line, and if you decide to proceed you know now exactly what you're buying.

Seanymph

thanks.

I am not concerned about the underpinning - with the paperwork is the structural engineers report and the details - and we have checked insurance and it doesn't affect it.

So I don't mind at all.

I just feel sneaky because I know so much and they don't know I know. IYSWIM.

And I will - if they ever call me back and I get my second viewing - probably offer full asking price.

*runs and hides*

Neil_in_Bristol

Seanymph wrote: »

And I will - if they ever call me back and I get my second viewing - probably offer full asking price.

*runs and hides*

Going straight in at the asking price is just throwing money away IMHO.

It might also be counter-productive. If someone offered me the asking price straight away, I'd start to think I'd underpriced the house.

A saving of a couple of thousand pounds goes a long way when you're buying new furniture etc.

dorset_nurse

If I was you I would mention on the second viewing that the building has been underpinned and therefore you are willing to offer "£x" (under the asking price). It will suprise them and may make them accept- especially if they have been let down twice already.

PasturesNew

I'd not tell them... but I'd use the information in the survey to sound knowledgeable when I went round - and if I put in an offer it'd be based on all the negatives that I'd read in the survey, as if I'd spotted them.