Paying for new build extras before exchange

alice_kate_2

Our sales office is trying to push us into paying for extras before exchange - to the tune of about £15k!

We won't pull out but we are selling and so obviously until exchange we have no guarantee that our buyer will stick around - so far it's looking very good and we aren't far off exchange but there's no way we'll have exchanged before Saturday which is when we're expect to pay?

Can they make us pay before exchange?
Thanks

Rain_Shadow

Before you exchange they can't make you do anything.

Stevie_Palimo

Catch 22 situation as they have no 100% guarantee that you will go ahead with this and would therefore be out of pocket should they finance the work prior to this point, Ring them and explain the situation and ask that they hold off from the work until the exchange has been completed.

davidmcn

For £15k I'd want the solicitors to hold onto the funds, rather than pass it on to your builder just before they go bust. And it gets paid at exchange, not before (otherwise what are you getting in exchange for your money?).

AnnieO1234

Have you considered how much it would cost for these works to be done after you've purchased? New build alterations and additions are usually at a premium compared with doing it once bought.

I wouldn't go ahead with this, yes if it's held on account with the solicitor but not otherwise. They're basically saying, "give us £15K, we'll do what the heck we want and it might include selling it to the guy who then comes in before exchange and offers £10K over what you're paying. Thanks for the freebie!" xxx