A Christmas ruined, vendor dropped dead before moving out - is it too late

sttepmalc

Hi all, firstly I am Malcolm. I haven't posted here before but have read these forums for years.

Yesterday, due to delays in the chain, we exchanged and completed on what we thought was our dream home. It is a modest two up two down but after living with my parents for years, Fifi and I decided to buy our first home. It was owned by an elderly person on her own, so it smelt and needed work doing.

Yesterday we turned up at 3pm after the solicitor called to confirm all was OK and we met the estate agent at the house. Outside the house was an ambulance, a police car and a removal lorry half loaded. The Estate agent went into the house and told me that the vendor had collapsed during the move and paramedics were unable to revive her.

The EA told us to halt the move. Her removal people halted the move, reloaded the house and now I have been advised by the EA to speak to our solicitor when they are next open. Of course, but the time we found all this out, the office had closed for Xmas and is not reopening until Jan 3rd.

The old lady's son called us yesterday apologetic and upset, he said he lived over the fence and would do his best to help us. I didn't realise he lives next door which is a bit odd as next door are also elderly and it is a semi. We met them on the first viewing as she was clearly a nosey type as we were in the garden with the EA when she flew out to peg out her washing just as it was raining.

Fifi is distraught. I had just bought her a fancy dog for xmas for the new home and we are back at my parents where my father is allergic to dogs. We are gutted as we envisaged xmas in our first home and with nobody to talk to, I wondered if anyone knew our legal position? I don't think we can just barge in and what would be do with her stuff?

poet123

Could you perhaps rent a motorhome and park on the drive?

duchy

Hmmm

Does she have a pond ?

Caroline73_2

Have you got a Tesco Bag for Life?

Ulfar

If this thread was serious, as soon as funds had been paid over completion has taken place and the property is yours. Whether they had moved out or not is not your problem.

As long as they died after funds had been paid then you own the property.

sttepmalc

the house doesnt have a driveway but that is a very good idea. There is a service road round the back of the garden so I guess we could borrow my uncle's caravan if we get desperate, but as we are going to be at my folks/her folks over Christmas, and hoping this gets sorted out, we shouldn't need to move out. But thanks for the idea.

Pond? Tesco bag? Not sure how this helps me unless it is an 'in' joke here. Anyway, the silver lining in this cloud is that instead of unpacking and getting henpecked by my fiancee, I get to watch TV at my folks (whilst my Dad is in his garage trying to rearrange my bits and pieces as I have blocked his beer fridge in)

sttepmalc

Ulfar wrote: »

If this thread was serious, as soon as funds had been paid over completion has taken place and the property is yours. Whether they had moved out or not is not your problem.

As long as they died after funds had been paid then you own the property.

Trouble is i dont know if completion is automatic if you are selling or if you have to call them up on the day and authorise it?

BOBS

Welcome along Malcolm - keep us up to date please ;-)

Egg_custard_2

Ooh, you can tell its Christmas. Merry Christmas Malcolm! I am sure you will keep us updated with this dilemma :T

dawyldthing

this has to be a revival of last years story surely!

sttepmalc

Of course I will keep you updated. Anything to avoid walking the toy dog I bought Fifi. I look stupid at 6'3 and well built walking down the road with a dog smaller than my shoe adorned with a pink collar, flashing xmas lights and a bell.