Buying a house, vendor wants £500 for burglar alarm.

getmore4less

Joeskeppi wrote: »

Hi all, I got a contents form through today for the house we are buying. They are downsizing into rented accommodation so on the form there is alot of stuff they have offered to sell to us, such as the american style fridge freezer for £300, dining table and chairs £200. All fair enough and I'll probably take them up on it as we need those items.

However, one of the items is the burglar alarm, and they want £500. Is this normal? Seems like it's part of the house to me.

Cheers,

They are overpricing everything, most second hand stuff is worth very little as most people want new, you are doing them a favour paying anything. Big stuff is a nightmare to move.

Make a lits of everything and have an all or nothing price in mind.

Make sure they make good if they do remove the alarm system.

System

getmore4less wrote: »

They are overpricing everything, most second hand stuff is worth very little as most people want new, you are doing them a favour paying anything. Big stuff is a nightmare to move.

Make a lits of everything and have an all or nothing price in mind.

Make sure they make good if they do remove the alarm system.

I actually think £300 for the fridge freezer with ice dispenser is a good price, they are more than double that new. It's a nightmare to move big stuff for both of us, if they take it I have to replace it.

I won't threaten to pull out over a burglar alarm.

System

ReadingTim wrote: »

Seems a burglar/intruder alarm system is considered as part of the house (see here) so it seems like they're trying it on.

I'd therefore tell them to p!ss off as you're not paying a penny for it. Furthermore, tell them that if it's going to be removed, all removal work must be made good before you complete - hopefully the hassle of doing that means they'll leave it for nothing.

That's a useful link, thanks. I've forwarded that to my conveyancer saying either it's free or I don't want it and they can make good.

movilogo

Just like heating system, burglar alarm is part of the fixtures and should be left with.

Anything which does not fall down if you rotate the house upside down (just imagine) is part of the house.

The seller is trying on. Just say via your solicitor burglar alarm is part of sale. Also don't pay anything for fridge etc. Ask them to take it away if they want. It will be more hassle for them than to leave it there for free

Prothet_of_Doom

When the estate agent showed you around. Did he say "And there's the alarm".

Play hardball. Say "If you remove the alarm, I want £500 OFF the price"

System

I don't want to be a nob, we have a good relationship with them and we love the house. Some things just aren't worth it.

I think I'll pick the items we want and make an offer on them as a joblot, saves me having to do shopping

DRP

Joeskeppi wrote: »

I actually think £300 for the fridge freezer with ice dispenser is a good price, they are more than double that new. It's a nightmare to move big stuff for both of us, if they take it I have to replace it.

I won't threaten to pull out over a burglar alarm.

the thing is you're paying say 50% for used item that could break down the day after you move in and you have absolutely no comeback.

I'd be pushing for paying something like 1/4 or less of the new price...

If they;re selling stuff, it isn't because they need the money, it is to get rid of it. Therefore you should be paying bargain basement prices.

DaftyDuck

I agree with the dominant view... if they wish to take it, they may, but would they please ensure all wires are removed, all holes filled and repainted, and any electrical supply made safe. Alternatively, if they wish to leave it, please ensure the solicitor has both user and service codes before completion...

They are moving into rented... what are they going to do with it otherwise?

Also, I believe you are overpaying for those unwanted furnishings.... heavily!

System

Ok, I'll have a second think about the furnishings. Burglar alarm seems to have a good consensus though so thanks for that.

DRP

Joeskeppi wrote: »

Ok, I'll have a second think about the furnishings. Burglar alarm seems to have a good consensus though so thanks for that.

also remember it is very easy for us to get all militant about this as it isn't our house deal.... negotiation is the key and in the grand scheme of things over-paying a few hundred quid for some useful items is nothing if it means the whole process goes smoothly!