Vendor says it too much hassle to let me test the utilities

MorticiaDuvall

Hi, I started a post earlier but this is separate anyway.

I'm due to meet with agent at the flat I'm purchasing tomorrow.

I have viewed twice before making an offer. Tomorrow will be 3rd visit.

It is a vacant property as it was let out before I brought.

Earlier this week I arranged to visit tomorrow and told agent that this time I'd like to test the water, gas/heating and electrics and stay long enough to feel the flat heat up. Basically I want to turn things on to make sure it actually does work.

Agent just called back and vendor said it is completely shut off due to it being vacant and it's too much hassle to turn it on.

I have no idea how these things are switched on or off and agent said they can't do it.

I agreed to still view tomorrow anyway but made clear that I do want a future visit to test these things.

Am I right in smelling a rat?

I feel so upset and anxious over this.

G_M

No.

It's insurance.

When a property is empty for an extended period (30 or 60+ days), the insurace often requires the utilities to be turned off and the water drained down.. This is because if, for eample, a pipe freezes and bursts, the damage would be extensive if no one notices.

Re-filling the central heating system is not hard, but is time-consuming. After turning the water back on, and waiting, each radiator would need bleeding to get the air out.

And if there is no gas supply, a new gas contract would need setting up to use the boiler........

Mojisola

I wouldn't buy a car without test driving it.

Why would you spend a load of money on a property when you don't know whether the utilities work?

When I had an empty property up for sale, I left everything on but with the CH set for frost protection. The insurance company was quite happy with that.

MorticiaDuvall

Thank you so much G_M. I found your reply really comforting

Sorry but I have to be suspicious as I've been ripped off before (not in housing but in something else).

As I've never brought before or know anyone who has, I just do not know these things.

I appreciate the utilities being switched off if vacant as you have explained the reasons for it well.

But I do need to ensure these things actually work as I've been made aware from solicitor that once I own it, any problems that were there before becomes mine. 'Buyer Beware' he said its called.

Is it really unreasonable to ask that I arrange an appointment just to check things? Afterall, I could move in and find out nothing works and what would I do then? I just feel that as vendor doesn't live there, it is easy for him to play ignorant.

Guest101

If the system is drained it would indeed be some hassle. But that said, if you threatened to walk away, would he do it?

Not necessarily a rat.

Water and electric are just a switch, but heating is the one that is difficult = as G_M said time consuming.

byjimini

Certainly a fine request, just ensure they're given enough time to have everyone working. Maybe ask when it's convenient to come round?

jhs14

I don't think you're being unreasonable. Certainly water and electrics you should be able to test. As for CH, well I can see why the vendor says it's too much hassle, but if the buyer asked I would do it to keep them happy. It's not really that much hassle.

tea-bag

TBF You have not made a offer on the property yet, You would be a time waster in my eyes! Make offer with the intention of getting it checked and instruct a solicitor. You will then look serious and the vendor would be inclined to get the place up and running again for you!

MorticiaDuvall

An offer has been accepted and solicitor has been instructed. A sold STC sign is on the agents website.

My solicitor received vendor's questionnaire and have reviewed it. I'm given the opportunity to make pre-contract enquiries but want to view again to double check things before I put my enquiries in writing hence my appointment tomorrow. Testing the utilities will be on the enquiry form if I'm not shown it all tomorrow.

Guest101, you say water and electric is just a switch so does that mean even the agent should be able to do this? the vendor even said it costs money to get everything back on too. I have no idea where these switches are.

Paully232000

tea-bag wrote: »

TBF You have not made a offer on the property yet, You would be a time waster in my eyes! Make offer with the intention of getting it checked and instruct a solicitor. You will then look serious and the vendor would be inclined to get the place up and running again for you!

He said this and I had assumed that an offer had been made so not unreasonable to want to make sure everything works is it?;

"I have viewed twice before making an offer. Tomorrow will be 3rd visit."

MorticiaDuvall

jhs14 - isn't gas and CH same thing?

In my current home, when you turn heating on there is a blue flame in the white box. That's how I know it's working. Then of course, I have to wait to feel it heat up (not too long though).

So tomorrow (or some point before exchange of contract at least) I would like to test the gas by turning the cooker on, test water by turning taps on and flushing loo and test electric by taking my phone charger to put in the socket. Please let me know if there is a more better way to test things.