Vendor won't let us view the property again until we sign the contract

sunshinetours

funkyd wrote: »

We will get the management pack today. We got everything else yesterday and on paper it looks fine.

The more I think about this the more I think this is about the two elderly ladies living there and nothing to do with the flat. They don't like people in the flat, they don't answer the phone when the estate agent rings and they are very old fashioned.

I'm not convinced they are hiding anything, more that they don't understand the sales process and simply don't understand why anyone would want to check what they are buying after having seen it already.

I am told that they are signing the contract on their new place today. Not sure entirely how that can happen when we haven't signed ours to purchase their place and the paperwork says they require the sale to purchase their new place.

Double damn and blast the whole thing, I knew it could be bad but not this bad!

I think this is very relevant and why I didn't agree with the crowd saying, without knowing any facts, that they must be hiding something.
Yes there are strong warning signals but you are now aware of that and only you know the details. Two elderly ladies who possibly may be reclusive in their behaviour and who almost certainly won't have sold a house either on many many years or possibly not be happy about selling for whatever reason will lead to some strange behaviour.

I reiterate my previous advice in to take a step back and fully treat this as a business transaction (which is whta it is and the biggest one many people will ever do)

VictoriaBlyth

funkyd wrote: »

The more I think about this the more I think this is about the two elderly ladies living there and nothing to do with the flat. They don't like people in the flat, they don't answer the phone when the estate agent rings and they are very old fashioned.

I'm not convinced they are hiding anything, more that they don't understand the sales process and simply don't understand why anyone would want to check what they are buying after having seen it already.

I think you may have hit the nail on the head here - it sounds more like an 'experience' thing - two elderly ladies, and this may be the first time they have sold, for a long time. The last time they sold, the process may have been completely different, and they might be afraid that you are using the excuse of another viewing to force a lower price right at the last minute (not saying you are, just playing Devil's Advocate)!

Go with your gut.

Wyndham

I know many savvy elderly ladies - so I'm not sure it is that. The whole thing sounds strange. And I know what it's like when you have your heart set on somewhere, and have paid out money already, but sometimes these things happen and it's best to still walk away.

sonastin

tired_dad wrote: »

Are current electrics or boiler unsafe? I doubt it if the property is lived in.

Interesting perspective there. Tell that to the old lady who lived in the house round the corner from us. Which burnt down due to faulty electrics. Or the lady from Irlam, Salford - the gas explosion in the house she lived in destroyed half the houses in the street. Or anyone who has been slowly poisoned with carbon monoxide. Just because it hasn't reached the point of killing the residents yet doesn't mean that it is safe.

tired_dad wrote: »

Boiler and electrics are a few k.

Bear that in mind while you're focussing on the stamp duty holiday. That's going to save what? a maximum of £2500. Brand new boiler and total re-wire are likely to cost more than that. Make sure you prioritise where the real additional expense is going to be.

dodger1

funkyd wrote: »

We will get the management pack today. We got everything else yesterday and on paper it looks fine.

The more I think about this the more I think this is about the two elderly ladies living there and nothing to do with the flat. They don't like people in the flat, they don't answer the phone when the estate agent rings and they are very old fashioned.

I'm not convinced they are hiding anything, more that they don't understand the sales process and simply don't understand why anyone would want to check what they are buying after having seen it already.

I am told that they are signing the contract on their new place today. Not sure entirely how that can happen when we haven't signed ours to purchase their place and the paperwork says they require the sale to purchase their new place.

Double damn and blast the whole thing, I knew it could be bad but not this bad!

OP, stop faffing around and demand another viewing. If they are signing today they are desparate for you to complete so you hold the aces. Just do it!!

Ulfar

You need to clarify if these two old ladies are actually the ones selling the flat, they aren't tenants are they. If they are then walk away, there is now way I would exchange until the property is vacant.

If they exchange on their purchase that is not your problem.

If you haven't had the management pack yet so aren't aware of the details then do not sign or exchange your contracts.

I would like to know what your solicitor/conveyancer thinks they are playing at. With a flat the details of the leasehold are very important and it is very important they give you correct advice, if they muck it up it could cost you thousands of pounds.

john_white

sonastin wrote: »

Interesting perspective there. Tell that to the old lady who lived in the house round the corner from us. Which burnt down due to faulty electrics. Or the lady from Irlam, Salford - the gas explosion in the house she lived in destroyed half the houses in the street. Or anyone who has been slowly poisoned with carbon monoxide. Just because it hasn't reached the point of killing the residents yet doesn't mean that it is safe.



Bear that in mind while you're focussing on the stamp duty holiday. That's going to save what? a maximum of £2500. Brand new boiler and total re-wire are likely to cost more than that. Make sure you prioritise where the real additional expense is going to be.

ALL properties will burn down or blow up if they have old wiring!

Now i've heard it all.

Taadaa

I can just imagine DHs gran selling her property. She would be equally as difficult and cantankerous.

I have to ask though, why now with the boiler and electrics? Maybe next time have a second vuewing to look at such things before you put in an offer.

joolsybools

Ulfar wrote: »

You need to clarify if these two old ladies are actually the ones selling the flat, they aren't tenants are they. If they are then walk away, there is now way I would exchange until the property is vacant.

If they exchange on their purchase that is not your problem.

If you haven't had the management pack yet so aren't aware of the details then do not sign or exchange your contracts.

I would like to know what your solicitor/conveyancer thinks they are playing at. With a flat the details of the leasehold are very important and it is very important they give you correct advice, if they muck it up it could cost you thousands of pounds.[/QUOTE]

^^^^ what s/he said - I cannot emphasize this enough - you need details of the leasehold and now. DO NOT SIGN BEFORE YOU HAVE SEEN THESE DOCUMENTS.

greenface

If its up for sale still . Ring EA and arrange a viewing .