Can I ask the seller to contribute?

clare_73

I think I'm more inclined, if I can, to complete the sale then commission and oversee the work myself - the seller won't really have much of a vested interest in protecting the future integrity of the foundations/building structure.

A colleague here experienced a similar problem some years ago - seller refused to allow the tree to be felled, they had to seek alternative insurance, then do the work once complete. Am eagerly awaiting the tree report and subsequent info relating to subsoil type etc as that's what will keep me awake at night. The tree is a pine by the way. Will post report findings in summary when I receive them to help any future forum members.

clare_73

martinsurrey, I think your eagle eyes might have saved me from a sleepless night!

robatwork

What you via your surveyor and solicitor seem to be saying is that the tree is "dangerous" to the condition of the house.

In your position I would be telling the vendor that the tree goes or I do.

The vendor will have a problem whoever he tries to sell too who wants a mortgage, so it's in his interest to deal with the tree.

fashionvictim

danslenoir wrote: »

Someone qualified to assess the impact of tree removal on the structure of the property you're purchasing?

I would ask the vendor to start the process because as danslenoir said just cutting a big tree down in one go is a big no no. Don't let them get the cowboys in the house could fall down. It prob needs cutting back first and to be removed in stages.

So get the vendor to get a quote and find out the time frame for getting it removed... it could be a long wait for competition if it takes months to remove in stages

Mossfarr

If the vendors are in a chain and don't want to lose their sale they will probably be delighted if you offered to pay half.
If I were in your position I would insist they had the tree removed before exchange of contracts.

danslenoir

martinsurrey wrote: »

I don't know what you are reading but it states

"specialist advice from a registered agriculturalist prior to legal commitment to purchase and implement any recommendations made to ensure that your buildings insurance policy remains unaffected."

NOT

"specialist advice from a registered agriculturalist and implement any recommendations made prior to legal commitment to purchase to ensure that your buildings insurance policy remains unaffected."

one means get advice before you commit, one means to get advice AND act before you commit It also states that its concerned about the insurance not about the mortgage.

To me it still reads like the taking action prior to legal commitment is a condition of the mortgage offer, and that the not affecting the insurance policy is the desired consequence of that action. OP should really check with the lender.

Carer

Have you checked with the local authority that you are allowed to fell the tree? It may have a TPO (tree protection order) on it or be in a conservation area in which case you wouldn't be allowed to touch it without permission.