Work between Exchange and Completion

sav_2

Hi all,

just wondering if anyone can help me. We exchange contracts on the 1st May and completion is on 8th May - is there any way I can carry out work (cleaning and some painting on the property) between this exchange and completion? I was hoping to complete before the bank holiday so that I can have the help of friends (as I am pregnant and therefore limited in what I can do), but buyer has paid his deposit using a personal cheque which will take time to clear.

Can anyone help? any info will be much appreciated!

Thanks
Sav.

prutter

I doubt it very much, I doubt any solicitor would advise their client to allow access prior to completion.....

cattie

You won't actually own the property untill completion & lender's would frown greatly on any seller that permitted the buyer being given such free access before completion. Untill completion the lender has a financial interest in the property.

As prutter mentions, any decent solicitor would strongly advise their client against giving a buyer keys or entry to the property before the legalities have been completed. There are just too many things that could go wrong.

silvercar

I think you can, with theseller's solicitor's agreement. You have to sign something that you will pay to put anything right that you leave half done if the sale doesn't complete.

Very common on new builds where the buyer wants wardrobes fitted before they move in.

shell2001

Have to be honest our last house move we had moved out of the property for a few months before exchange happened. We did allow them to go in and paint what would be their little boys room (as it was pink), but it was all done in writing via our solicitor.

I work weekends in an EA now and their have been several cases where permission has been given to allow cleaning and painting. Explain your circumstances and see what the vendors say.

Good luck with the baby

sav_2

Thanks for all your advice!

Romani_Ite_Domum

sav wrote: »

Hi all,

just wondering if anyone can help me. We exchange contracts on the 1st May and completion is on 8th May - is there any way I can carry out work (cleaning and some painting on the property) between this exchange and completion? I was hoping to complete before the bank holiday so that I can have the help of friends (as I am pregnant and therefore limited in what I can do), but buyer has paid his deposit using a personal cheque which will take time to clear.

Can anyone help? any info will be much appreciated!

Thanks
Sav.

I got to know my buyers pretty well and let the husband decorate a couple of rooms after exchange. I was at the property the whole time though boxing up stuff. I know a solicitor wouldn't recommend it to a vendor without it in writing but that would push solicitors costs up. If you are friendy with the vendor there would be no harm in asking.