We’d like to remind Forumites to please avoid political debate on the Forum.

This is to keep it a safe and useful space for MoneySaving discussions. Threads that are – or become – political in nature may be removed in line with the Forum’s rules. Thank you for your understanding.

PLEASE READ BEFORE POSTING: Hello Forumites! In order to help keep the Forum a useful, safe and friendly place for our users, discussions around non-MoneySaving matters are not permitted per the Forum rules. While we understand that mentioning house prices may sometimes be relevant to a user's specific MoneySaving situation, we ask that you please avoid veering into broad, general debates about the market, the economy and politics, as these can unfortunately lead to abusive or hateful behaviour. Threads that are found to have derailed into wider discussions may be removed. Users who repeatedly disregard this may have their Forum account banned. Please also avoid posting personally identifiable information, including links to your own online property listing which may reveal your address. Thank you for your understanding.
📨 Have you signed up to the Forum's new Email Digest yet? Get a selection of trending threads sent straight to your inbox daily, weekly or monthly!

Agent let buyer move in before exchange

Bigfrogman
Bigfrogman Posts: 1 Newbie
in House buying, renting & selling
hi all,

Hoping I can get some advice. I currently live overseas and am in the process of selling my investment property in London. I have a buyer lined up and we are probable two or three weeks away from exchanging. My tenant moved out a few weeks ago so the property should be vacant.

I found out today that the agent has left the buyer move in and stay in the property already. I was gobsmacked when I found out.

What are my options here? Can I sue the agent? Or refuse to pay their bill once the sale does go through? Can I complain them to someone

Thanks

Comments

  • mrginge
    mrginge Posts: 4,843 Forumite
    Is this buyer paying you rent?
  • phill99
    phill99 Posts: 9,092
    Part of the Furniture 1,000 Posts
    Forumite
    I think the best option is to send some 'heavies' round to the agent and have his knee caps broken with a baseball bat.
    Eat vegetables and fear no creditors, rather than eat duck and hide.
  • Auntie-Dolly
    Auntie-Dolly Posts: 1,008 Forumite
    What do you mean by 'agent'? The estate agent or your personal agent?
  • Thrugelmir
    Thrugelmir Posts: 89,546
    Part of the Furniture 10,000 Posts Name Dropper Photogenic
    Forumite
    Is your Agent reputable?
  • HappyMJ
    HappyMJ Posts: 21,115
    10,000 Posts Combo Breaker
    Forumite
    Bigfrogman wrote: »
    hi all,

    Hoping I can get some advice. I currently live overseas and am in the process of selling my investment property in London. I have a buyer lined up and we are probable two or three weeks away from exchanging. My tenant moved out a few weeks ago so the property should be vacant.

    I found out today that the agent has left the buyer move in and stay in the property already. I was gobsmacked when I found out.

    What are my options here? Can I sue the agent? Or refuse to pay their bill once the sale does go through? Can I complain them to someone

    Thanks

    Complain to your solicitor, refuse to exchange and make sure they pay you plenty of money (but not rent) for the occupation of the property.
    :footie:
    :p Regular savers earn 6% interest (HSBC, First Direct, M&S) :p Loans cost 2.9% per year (Nationwide) = FREE money. :p
  • [Deleted User]
    [Deleted User] Posts: 7,323
    Part of the Furniture 1,000 Posts Name Dropper
    Forumite
    You might be able to do a 'holiday rent' deal or rent under licence.., but probably better speak to your solicitor about this.., and charge the estate agent for any extra legal fees this will lead to. I'd also complain to the MD of the estate agent. Consult your solicitor about whether the estate agent can do this.

    I have a feeling, with you not being based in England, you might have given the estate agent authority to act on your behalf so consult the contract paperwork. If you didn't, consult with your solicitor.
  • eddddy
    eddddy Posts: 18,784
    Part of the Furniture 10,000 Posts Name Dropper
    Forumite
    One solution would be to ask the agent why they have allowed somebody to trespass on your property - and since they have allowed the trespass, they must now stop it.

    But rather than admit that they are the villains to the buyer, the agent is very likely to paint you as the villain - which might put the sale at risk.

    For that reason, it may be better to do it via solicitors - although that will take longer.
  • myawn
    myawn Posts: 5 Forumite
    Who did you find out from? Your first move should be to contact your solicitor.
This discussion has been closed.
★ ★ ★ Meet your Ambassadors

🚀 Getting Started

Hi new member!

Our Getting Started Guide will help you get the most out of the Forum

Categories

  • All Categories
  • 355.8K Banking & Borrowing
  • 254.9K Reduce Debt & Boost Income
  • 456.1K Spending & Discounts
  • 248.3K Work, Benefits & Business
  • 605.9K Mortgages, Homes & Bills
  • 179K Life & Family
  • 263.7K Travel & Transport
  • 1.5M Hobbies & Leisure
  • 16.2K Discuss & Feedback
  • 37.7K Read-Only Boards

Is this how you want to be seen?

We see you are using a default avatar. It takes only a few seconds to pick a picture.
Update Your Picture