Vendor refused full boiler inspection

LEP

I am in the process of buying a property and on the back of a HB report wanted the gas/electrics checked.

Two days ago the EA rang me to advise the vendor was getting stressed out at me requesting these inspections . I advised it was purely for my own peace of mind but of course if anything major was brought up then I would have to consider my position with regards to my offer again.

Tonight I spoke to the gas engineer and an a bit suprised by what he told me.

He said the vendor initially refused him access (despite this being agreed with her through the EA). He rang the EA and they must have talked her round and he got in.

He did the basic checks, enough to issue a safety certificate but she refused to allow him to fully inspect the boiler. I asked for this as the surveyor advised it is old with the inherent risks this brings.

I suspect the EA has fed back my earlier comments to the vendor about something major coming up and me reconsidering my offer and she was so worried about the gas engineer finding something that she has sought to make it as difficult as possible to do this.

Does she honestly think her actions are going to 'help' with regards to my postion in the purchase.

Has anyone come across this sort of thing before?

jc808

tell the vendor you want £5k off the price because your not convinced the plumbing works

DVardysShadow

jc808 wrote: »

tell the vendor you want £5k off the price because your not convinced the plumbing works

My thoughts exactly. The cost of a new boiler.

I have never come across this, but I would not stand for it. No messing. If this achieves the desired effect and the vendor climbs down about the boiler inspection, vendor should be made to pay for this inspection in cash via the agent.

OP, make it clear to the Agent that if vendor does not permit and pay for the inspection, you will have your solicitor "return papers". [Jargon for your solicitor pulling out of the deal on your behalf]. And walk away.

This is truly barmy behaviour on vendor's part.

Mr_Thrifty

tell him ur taking off £4,900 but will reduce it to £4,750 if they apologise and no reduction if they pass ur inspection test

olly300

To be honest as most houses aren't selling, while I appreciate you have spent money on a Homebuyers report, I would threaten to pull out.

You could easily go to the EA and say due to the vendor's actions you are looking elsewhere and start viewing other properties.

The EA will not be happy as they will not get their commission and if the vendor is in a chain they are screwed.

Yes this does happen but normally when it's a buyers market people aren't as stupid and uncooperative as your vendor.

poppysarah

LEP wrote: »

I am in the process of buying a property and on the back of a HB report wanted the gas/electrics checked.

Two days ago the EA rang me to advise the vendor was getting stressed out at me requesting these inspections .

Whilst the EA works for them - they do actually have to sell houses to make a living.

Politely tell them if you don't get allowed the checks you want then you will be assuming there are faults to hide and dropping the price.

Or go and find another less bothersome person to buy a house off.

movilogo

EA rang me to advise the vendor was getting stressed

:rotfl:

Imagine the vendor's stress if you pull out.

It is very likely that you need a new boiler or something is seriously wrong with central heating.

As others said, just reduce £5k instantly.

Soot2006

As above ... Let them know you now have to assume they are hiding something and thus you don't feel you can proceed any more ...

LEP

movilogo wrote: »

:rotfl:

Imagine the vendor's stress if you pull out.

It is very likely that you need a new boiler or something is seriously wrong with central heating.

As others said, just reduce £5k instantly.

Yeah I did have silent chuckle when the EA told me this.....isn't getting 'stressed out' part and parcel of buying/selling houses.

This is the 6th property I have been involved in purchasing and I have never come across anything like this when I have asked for any inspections. Once a vendor disputed the findings of a dam proof inspection and I'll pulled out but they didn't have an issue with me getting it fully checked.

I am genuinely bemused by her actions.

DVardysShadow

LEP wrote: »

... I am genuinely bemused by her actions.

Me too. Whatever she is trying to hide, you can only assume it is something far worse.

Do please keep us updated on what you do and how it works out!

bris

You already know the boiler is old, so you can expect the worst, the HB report told you so. You need to factor the value with the boiler in this state, the HB report will have taken it into consideration.
Reducing the price by 5K? I though it was only gullible people that believed everything the BG salesman told them that paid 5k for a boiler changeover.
A new boiler would be the worst case scenario, most can be easily repaired for a fixed price if they break down.