Thank You

lynnemcf · 21 May 2013 at 9:43AM

It is the seller that has the contract with the estate agent, so you have no liability. However, the seller suggesting that your parents buy the house so they can avoid fees is RIDICULOUS ... dont have anything to do with a seller who is dictating terms with you at this early stage. House buying is stressful enough without the seller being a power crazed dictator.

legaladvice · 21 May 2013 at 4:09PM

abrakadabraoreiro

Cissi · 21 May 2013 at 5:56PM

legaladvice wrote: »

And dont you someone know by which law it is that it is the seller who is responsible for the fees? Or some law which protects buyer?

You mean a law which specifically protects the buyer if the vendor commits fraud? No, I'm pretty sure there is no such law - but as you've signed no contract with the agent they'd have no legal recourse against you, even if you buy the house in your own name. It's the vendor's problem, not yours. But why on earth would you want to be part of this mad scheme? Have you agreed to split the savings between you by any chance (ie would the vendor accept a lower offer from you if you agree to this)?

Your wife's parents buying the house in their names using your money is crazy. They'd be the legal owners of the house, not you - what happens when they die? Are there any other heirs who will be entitled to a share of the cake? Do you not mind paying inheritance tax on what was originally yours anyway? What if - God forbid - you and your wife split up, or she tragically dies, or you both fall out with her parents and they decide to write a will in favour of the local cats' home? You could end up with nothing! And all for the sake of saving the vendor a couple of thousand pounds???

JayZed · 21 May 2013 at 6:04PM

You would certainly have no liability to the estate agent - as others have said above, you have no contractual relationship with him. But the vendor's suggestion that your wife's parents buy the house in their name is just nonsense, and will cause you problems in the long run.

Besides, the vendor's attempt to breach his contract with the agent is downright unethical. The agent introduced you and is entitled to his fee. If I were you I wouldn't want anything to do with this vendor.

Cissi · 21 May 2013 at 7:36PM

legaladvice wrote: »

abrakadabraoreiro

??? I take it you don't want your posts in the public domain - fair enough. Might be nice to hit the "thank you" button though (if you got any useful advice at all, that is) since people have taken the time and trouble to respond

dj.boz · 21 May 2013 at 9:36PM

Cissi wrote: »

??? I take it you don't want your posts in the public domain - fair enough. Might be nice to hit the "thank you" button though (if you got any useful advice at all, that is) since people have taken the time and trouble to respond

Yes, winds me up when people get the help / assistance that they required then delete there entries. Not exactly going to help others that may be in the same situation in the future! :mad: