Buyer visiting with architect after exchange

essex123_2

Anyone had an experience of a buyer visiting with architect after exchange of contracts? Exchange happened a couple of weeks ago with completion not until the end of July. The buyer first visited in Jan and left saying it only had 4 bedrooms he might bring a builder to see what could be done. We had no feedback on that viewing, and only heard again when he popped up in March with an offer. Only a week after that did he have a second view on his own (without wife who wasn't at all keen after first look), and went up in the loft to see if he could stand up in it, and checked a few things out 'because it's small) and asking a load of questions about fences and boundaries. Anyway exchange happened much quicker than expected after all the qs we had - before that he almost pulled out twice over a supposed shortfall after mortgage valuation came in low (had tried to reduce price and didn't really want to go up to asking price so has played us a bit), and over duff info on planning permission that we don't need (from his solicitor). Anyway he didn't have a home buyers or full survey done before, just basic mortgage valuation, and hasn't had any expert visit before - all we know now is he wants to visit with architect and has told our EA something about he thinks he needs planning to change windows and doors - though he wouldn't need an architect for that - just wondering what to expect really - it's legally binding now - but I guess though rare people do still occasionally pull out and nobody has visited to advise on any plans he has before. He seems to be doing things in a bit of an odd back to front way really. Our house is awkward to extend, and the loft is a big project if he's thinking on that.

lindsloo

If it is actually to do with planning permission architects can also act in a position called a contract administrator (usually for larger projects) where they undertake tasks such as submitting planning apps. It might be he can't be bothered to do it himself and is paying the architect to do it for him. If he has been doing things like checking roof height maybe he wants the architect to start on plans for extending before completion but can't understand why he wouldn't be straight up about that.

G_M

What plans he has for the house are his business - I would not start rying to guess what he has in mind.

You've Exchanged. It's legally binding so he can't back out.

So I see no reason not to be friendly and helpful and allow access for his architect to do.... whatever he wants to do.

Provided of course it does not overly disrupt you.

Mojisola

G_M wrote: »

So I see no reason not to be friendly and helpful and allow access for his architect to do.... whatever he wants to do.

Provided of course it does not overly disrupt you.

Our buyer asked if he could bring a selection of builders round to give quotes so that the work could get started as soon as possible after completion.

It wasn't a problem for me so I was happy to allow it as long as they only looked and didn't start pulling anything about. I still wanted the house in a saleable condition just in case completion didn't happen.

AdrianC

As you say - it's legally binding now. If he does pull out you have 10% of the purchase price of his money.

He can't do anything with the place until he's actually completed, then he can do whatever he wants (within planning restrictions).

essex123_2

Thanks for thoughts, he hasnt really been upfront with much to be honest, all the EA passed on was something about windows, but he was jumpy about two windows we had put in ourselves so dont know if its going to be rehashing something we've already confirmed and provided evidence for, or if the visit is part of an architects process after an initial consult. Not so much what his plans are to extend etc, more he hasnt had anyone here before, and we dont know if this guy is conducting some kind of survey etc, they asked for a time quite late in day so dont know if that will be disruptive or overly so if anything else is required.

Errata

If he wants an architect to have a look for whatever reason tie him down tight to a time and how long his architect needs.
The architect can do absolutely nothing without your agreement except have a look around, which won't take any time at all.

G_M

It's too late for him to start renegotiating price or asking questions about the sale. You've exchanged.

So if he's looking at the windows with a view to raising issues, more fool him. You just refuse to discuss/don't even respond.

But I think this is very unlikely. He is planning what he will do after he owns it - that's all.

essex123_2

Will have to see what happens. We are in a conservation area so it may be he wants to put different types of windows in or remove bay windows or something, or thinks different colours or types might need planning. Would guess the architect is there for a site visit or survey for buyers plans post completion. He only had a mortgage valuation done before, and didnt come with a builder or anything. He gave vibes he wasnt really into house as it is and maybe wanted to do too much to it so we were surprised he offered after his initial visit.

birminghamuniv

This actually is a good news. He simply wants the architect to start working.