renting a house on the market

claire2711

we are currently attempting to buy a house via a first time buyer scheme, before our baby is born. however the scheme is a mess and slow to say the least.

i am thinking about asking the house seller if they are willing to consider renting the property to us privately, with a lease etc of course. i don't know how to go about asking though? should I ask him directly, or call the estate agent anonymously? help!

BitterAndTwisted

How long has the property been on the market?

claire2711

since November x

G_M

You can ask. The seller would be mad to agree.

He'll become a lanldord and

* have to pay tax
* have to comply with countless rules/laws
* have no guarantee you will buy, or leave
* have to get consent from his mortgage lender
*............

Supadupa

Yes, always worth a try. I would suggest approaching the seller direct as you can establish a better relationship with them whereas the estate agent really is there to get their sale and commission. Assuming you are still intending to buy the property then I would suggest an agreement that you rent the property until the sale is ready to go through.

I actually did something similar, by putting a note through the doors of the houses for sale in the area where I wanted to rent. I got one or two replies from those who were willing to consider it. These houses had been on the market for over a year and this arrangement meant everyone could move on now. Interestingly I contacted one estate agent first who got back immediately to say nobody would consider renting....but the owner said different!

As for the madness.....well there would be extra costs for the owner to cover consent to let and tax but the rent they charge may actually give them a profit each month which they would not have had previously. I guess it all depends on their personal circumstances.