Worrying purchase?

ANGLICANPAT

Been asked by a family member to view this in about an hour and a halfs time! They think it looks a good buy but according to the EA its been the subject of spite vandalism and the top part of the garage has been knocked down , and the kitchen ripped out ! They dont do the work themselves so would be paying to get the garage built back up , and new kitchen , fireplaces and probably major decorating. Google earth strangely shows 2 views of the property taken at different times, changing half way round the corner of the property. Looks like the perpetrator maybe has gone on the roof of garage and started taking the outer breeze brick away from the inner layer of bricks , and then apparently has torn down the railings seen on the EA's picture , and also half the side of the garage! Its ok upstairs apparently , but downstairs would need the lounge walls replastered, new fireplace , and other rooms sprucing up . The EA says lots of interest . . We know property moving fast in the area (like same day) Hard to guess what else is wrong , but if just as Ive stated and by what you see, can anyone else see it being a good buy if £25k is spent, or are they mad?(Thats what it would cost to buy if it was in modestly good condition now. ) (Its short term for themselves -maybe a year or 2 .) Apparently its going to be a matter of making an offer today if they really want it . I feel daunted by having to be the viewer as they cant get to the area in time. http://www.rightmove.co.uk/property-for-sale/property-65352632.html

caprikid1

Looks like a stalled project to me as opposed to vandalism.

Typhoon2000

Good opportunity for a new kitchen, replaster and modernise. House is clearly vacant which might have been an invitation to low life. Saying that it doesn't look vandalised. More like someone removed the kitchen and fireplaces to flog it.

Out,_Vile_Jelly

Apparently many mortgages require the presence of a kitchen. Unless they are cash buyers they should check with their provider.

ANGLICANPAT

Apparantly an inheritance property and an aggrieved person. Dont think there would be any satisfaction for the perpetrator penalizing a new owner and risking prosecution once the seller had got their money? Yes they are cash buyers and have 3 mths to spare before moving in . No-one has come on here and sounded too aghast yet, maybe Im too much of a worrier . I suppose though one can make an offer and then pull out after a survey if it reveals something unforseen. Thanks, Im off now to have a look .

Rosieandjim

Its a lot of money to pay if you are going to end up with ongoing vandalism. Is it a local authority property. If yes I would drive around at different times and check what is going on also knock on a few doors and check out what the neighbours have to say

hazyjo

Google the actual address. It sounds personal which would make me worry it's been listed as some !!!!!'s (that may get starred out - rhymes with speedo) or murderer or something. Maybe I've just been watching too much Prime Suspect.

Jx

Cakeguts

Extremely overpriced. It is ex local authority on a big council estate. Who would want to live there? There is hardly any back garden because it is so close to the house in the next road.

ANGLICANPAT

Ive just got back/ Your mostly right Cakeguts - I think the renovations would cost more than the ceiling price of the road. Not a particularly nice area . The peeved person has really gone to town. Will post some pics later.

ANGLICANPAT

Ugh, sorry , I cant seem to get on with picture hosting sites , thought I was going to be able to upload from my own picture library . Not to worry , can describe the outcome just to round off.

A run down council estate just as you say Cakeguts, depressing feeling to it as well. It had a dead feel to it, quiet as a churchyard and shabby without the chic.
The house attacker had demolished the roof and third the brickwork of the attached garage , big holes in the side of the house where the joists had been yanked out the whole length. Garage up n over doors twisted in the frame so needed replacing after rebuilding up.

Hall ok, Dining room ok, good parquet floor , through to lounge where parquet floor had been torn up leaving old chipboard floor on suspended floor and a radiator roughly removed causing a leak ,now drying out as water off. Back boiler needed removing and new fireplace put in . Whole lounge walls covered in ugly mouldings so need stripping and replastering .

All d/g was old with hardened rubber , probably draughty. Both outside doors likewise , cheap originally too Id say. Electrics looked more recent , being a good foot above skirtings, but outside in the now exposed garage, I could see the whole electrics box and major wires , were looking dodgy and might be not functional. Interior doors a lovely grained real wood , but most taken off hinges and lying against walls. All upstairs beds were doubles and ok but needed 'finishing' and carpeting . One housed ugly pipes and boiler which needed replacing. Most other rads looked ok

Bathroom suite white modern and ok but some tiles needed replacing on floor and walls. Kitchen white units , oldish but maybe savable but all cupboard doors gone Ideally if living there yourself ,you'd want the lot torn out and replaced, work surface newish , plumbing for washer seemed present. Old fashioned red tile floor needed attention but may be saved. All skirtings needed finishing and filling properly .

Now outside , was an amazing space for the area .A wrap around garden on 3 sides all done with sets. About 20ft from the back door to the back fence , and at the side of house 25ish ft wide from back corner of house to side hedge where the portakabin was lying . About 60 ft fromfront pavement to back fence . EA was saying one developer was saying he would knock down the garage completely and get planning permission to build a further small house in the space! Problem though if you cant count on getting perms til after youve bought.

Ceiling price for the road is apparently about £215/20 k so no way could I see anyone but a developer doing it up for that price . Great though for a developer diyer who keeps it for renting - they rent for £850/900 - maybe more if the garage was built back up to roof to make a 5th bedroom.
My non diy rellies totally now put off after my observations - cant say Im sorry really , it just didnt feel right for them. Youd also have to pay to remove a 15x7 crumbling portakabin from the garden which wouldnt be cheap.

Thanks all for your imput. Sorry about the lack of pics

glasgowdan

Curious now! Go to postimg and upload them and give us the links!

PS, joists yanked out?! !!!!!!!?