What type of tradesperson do we need?

barbiedoll

What sort of "feeling" did you get with the downstairs neighbours? Can you be sure that they're not just the sort that will moan at every single little noise? After all, they're still "unhappy" after soundproofing works and you mention a "noise dispute"...how far did the dispute go? Were the council noise abatement people involved?

I'd be very careful if I were you....some neighbours are just going to be a pain in the butt no matter who lives there and how quiet they are. You may find they'll be moaning whenever you open and close a door, never mind operating a washing machine!

G_M

pokarekareana wrote: »

We've had no problems with our solicitor - it is on the seller's side that the issues have been. There are other issues that our solicitor is talking to them about, so telling our solicitor to hold fire at this stage really wouldn't be helpful. Also, they're on a fixed fee with clear instructions from us not to do anything that would incur additional charges to what we originally agreed, so I don't have any particular concerns in that area.

The estate agents don't seem to be particularly on the ball either, as whenever I speak to them, they seem to be about a week behind the rest of us in terms of knowing what's going on. I'm feeling a bit fed up with all the middlemen! I guess we'll just have to wait and see what they come back with.

You're missing the point:
1) this appears to be an important issue for you. It would not be for me, but that's irrelevant.
2) therefore you need/want to undertake investigations before commiting to buy, or re-negotiating price
3) it is not a legal matter. Your solicitor is not the right person to mediate. Plus using him means four parties involved : you, your solicitor, seller's solicitor, seller.
4) if you pull out of the purchase, you will still have to pay your solicitor for his time to date. The more he has done, the more you'll pay for an aborted purchase (unless you have a no completion no fee contract?). Hence my advice to put him on hold
5) telling the EA your solicitor is on hold will get an immediate reaction. EAs' worst nightmare is a buyer pulling out (and their commission vanishing), so any indication of your cold feet will result in action. Honest!

However I again warn that the seller may be unwilling to see his flat pulled apart, so you need to decide what you'll do if he says 'No' to your request.

xylophone

The seller will always have to disclose that there is an unresolved dispute.

The fact of this dispute is causing you to consider not proceeding.

If you pull out, the vendor is back at square 1.

His next prospect might be equally discouraged.

If he wants to sell, he needs to get hold of plumber/carpenter and arrange with the neighbours for these tradesmen to be in their property when the machine is running so that they can hear/see the problem and then take remedial action.

Once the seller has done this, his path should be easier?