Tricky Situation

suzmis84

I have had an offer accepted on a house after various negotiations, however the estate agent has informed me that the acceptance is conditional on viewings being allowed until a survey has been booked.

I feel because I am a FTB and hence negotiated to a price lower than what the seller wanted to sell at, they would like the optionality of a higher offer possibly being put forward.

This is something I have pushed back on to the agent, but wanted to gauge the forum's view on whether this is normal practice and your opinions?

Thanks.

_s79

If you want the place then just get a survey booked; it shouldn't take long. The seller just wants to know that you're serious.

hcb42

seems fair enough to me. Some people put in an "offer" and then do nothing for weeks on end. THe seller is protecting their interests.

You should push on with survey ASAP. However bear in mind you can be gazumped at any point prior to exchange

BitterAndTwisted

Your seller is free to accept viewings and/or accept a higher offer from anyone they like right up until contracts are exchanged. I would suggest that you book a survey asap to show them that you're serious.

DVardysShadow

It looks very fair to me to set it when the survey is booked. Some buyers do tend to mess around even booking the survey.

KateLiana27

Their request isn't unreasonable. Your options:

- book your survey, right now. Job done.
- tell them your offer is conditional on the house being removed from the market immediately and all viewings cancelled (this is what we did). Unfortunately it's much better to do this when making your offer, rather than afterwards. And you have to be prepared to walk away if they say no, so it's risky. Plus it does beg the question - why don't you just book the survey if you want the house?

hcb42

Most sellers would refuse to take it off the market unless buyers can show they intend to proceed immediately. Too many time wasters in the system!

spandles

Tell them fine, as you will continue to view other properties at the same time. You are covering yourself should they get another offer. See how they feel about that.