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.

House selling - gas and electrical safety certificate requested

Options
ajm410
ajm410 Posts: 136 Forumite
in House buying, renting & selling
Hi all,

I'm trying to sell my late mum's 50-60-year-old house and wondering if you can help me, as I'm completely new to this process...?

I accepted an offer about 8 weeks ago for the property which was £3k (just under 3%) below the asking price.

However, despite that, the buyer has so far not instructed their solicitor to proceed due to some (questionable) confusion about not receiving packs from their solicitor etc.

Anyway, they have had a homebuyer's survey done, which has flagged a few issues with regard to the gas and electrics, and they are now asking that I get a gas and electrical safety certificate before they proceed further, which I've been quoted will cost £180 +VAT.

From doing a bit of research, I understand that I'm not required to provide this and I guess my question is what should I do about their request?

On the one hand, I'm quite keen to get the house sold quickly. However, I don't want the certificate to throw up a load of issues that the buyers then expect me to resolve - especially when we accepted below the asking price. They are first-time buyers and I think this is what they may be expecting.

(In addition, I worry that the agent is pushing me to get this done just to speed up the process,as they haven't told me I'm not legally required to get one.)

Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated!

Thanks!
«1

Comments

  • Alter_ego
    Alter_ego Posts: 3,842 Forumite
    Name Dropper First Post First Anniversary
    Options
    As they are ftb I guess they think rental requirements apply to private houses. I'd be telling them they do not.
    I am not a cat (But my friend is)
  • martinthebandit
    martinthebandit Posts: 4,422 Forumite
    First Anniversary First Post
    Options
    Tell them no and tell your estate agent to put it back on the market until contracts are exchanged.
  • Person_one
    Person_one Posts: 28,884 Forumite
    First Post First Anniversary Combo Breaker
    Options
    The survey will have had a standard line in it that the gas and electrics do not meet current standards and that the buyers should arrange their own checks. Are they first time buyers who have taken this literally?

    I'd respond that everything is currently working but obviously is not brand new and that you won't be paying for the checks. If you want to you could say that you are happy to allow access if they choose to pay for them.
  • G_M
    G_M Posts: 51,977 Forumite
    Name Dropper First Anniversary First Post Combo Breaker
    edited 12 December 2016 at 12:43PM
    Options
    Tell them you are happy to permit access by their gas and elecrical contractors to undertake inspections, just as you did with their surveyor.

    You do not have to provide the certificates yourself. If they are concerned about the electrics they should get them inspected.

    Meanwhile instruct your EA to start re-marketing the property?
  • Rain_Shadow
    Rain_Shadow Posts: 1,798 Forumite
    Options
    Be prepared for your buyers to be spooked when the gas and electrical reports state that neither meets current regulations for a dozen different reasons.
    You can pick your friends and you can pick your nose but you can't pick your friend's nose.
  • marksoton
    marksoton Posts: 17,516 Forumite
    Options
    ajm410 wrote: »

    On the one hand, I'm quite keen to get the house sold quickly.

    Then i suggest you put it back on the market. They've already wasted 2 months of your time.
  • ajm410
    ajm410 Posts: 136 Forumite
    Options
    Thanks all, this is very helpful.

    I'll let you know how I get on...

    Thanks again!!!
  • sheff6107
    sheff6107 Posts: 451 Forumite
    Options
    Rain_Shadow wrote: »
    Be prepared for your buyers to be spooked when the gas and electrical reports state that neither meets current regulations for a dozen different reasons.

    Exactly. Sometimes best to get it done so you know where you stand. It's easier to sell a car with a 12 month MOT instead of none.
  • Alter_ego
    Alter_ego Posts: 3,842 Forumite
    Name Dropper First Post First Anniversary
    Options
    sheff6107 wrote: »
    Exactly. Sometimes best to get it done so you know where you stand. It's easier to sell a car with a 12 month MOT instead of none.

    Yes but an MOT is transferrable. Surveys etc are not.
    I am not a cat (But my friend is)
  • Cakeguts
    Cakeguts Posts: 7,627 Forumite
    First Anniversary Name Dropper First Post
    Options
    If all else fails put the property into a property auction.
This discussion has been closed.
★ ★ ★ Meet your Ambassadors

Categories

  • All Categories
  • 343.2K Banking & Borrowing
  • 250.1K Reduce Debt & Boost Income
  • 449.7K Spending & Discounts
  • 235.3K Work, Benefits & Business
  • 608.1K Mortgages, Homes & Bills
  • 173.1K Life & Family
  • 247.9K Travel & Transport
  • 1.5M Hobbies & Leisure
  • 15.9K Discuss & Feedback
  • 15.1K Coronavirus Support Boards