What to Offer?

Tickergirl

In terms of buildings regs, please bear in mind that they change all the time and builders only have to meet current standards, they are not backdated. So, if the conversion was done in the 80's, then it would have had to meet the buildings regs which were enforced at that point, but will not comply to any new regulation which was brought in subsequent to the build. So it may not have a fire proof door, escape window or be well insulated etc but this does not mean it didn't meet building regs.

What you need to do is check that the conversion was given Buildings Reg approval when it was constructed. This is easy to do by phoning the council.

Mrs_Optimist

UPDATE:

Spoke to EA this morning, Said the maximum we would be prepared to pay would be £195k subject to Survey. He said the vendor had rejected an offer in excess of £200k (strange cos when we spoke a few days ago we were told that there had been lots of viewings but no offers!). Anyway we stuck to our guns, house is not worth more than that in its current condition. Asked EA to note our interest on file in the event that the Vendor has a change of heart.

Viewed another property tonight, is very similar in layout except it is a semi-detached with a large corner plot and is on for £20k less (and only needs a new kitchen!) So we are happy that we have offered what we think is a realistic price for the first house. As I said before if we don't get it, something better will come along. We have no intention of wasting money on something that is clearly overpriced, no matter how much we like it!

Cheers for your support and input though, it is much appreciated!

Toto

I think you are right and well done for not letting your heart rule your head. You are right the perfect house will come along, but my guess would be the vendors of this place are hanging on to see what the January rush will bring, if nothing then they will re-visit old offers (or offer!) The thing that annoys me the most about this whole buying selling thing is the dishonesty, if there have been offers rejected then the agent should tell you that, if you are the only offer they should say so. But now I am venting a sore point with my own sale. Wouldn't it be lovely if everyone told it like it is though, so we all know where we stand and don't have to second guess everyone else in the process.