Showhouse - Do you have to pay for 'extra's? Where do I stand?

RubyShoes

Looking for words of advice here...

I am currently buying a shared ownership property. I have sorted my mortgage and been accepted for the property of my choice. There are 2 detatched 3 bed houses, one is just a normal new build, the other a showhouse.

I have applied for the normal new build, as I would rather sort my own carpets etc out.

I recieved a letter from the shared ownership people which says 'I am pleased to confirm the above property has been reserved in your name, subject to contract. Please complete the enclosed form, and return together with your £250 reservation fee.'

Now, my problem is this: There are 2 of us who want the same house. No real problem because there are 2 identical houses. Except, they want £5000 for the stuff in the showhouse!!:mad: I dont want the stuff thats in it, I have my own furniture, and dont like the carpets or blinds! Hence why I applied for the other property!

As far as I was concerned, when I got that letter, that house was mine, provided I then paid the fee, and carried through with the sale.
I took my reservation fee up to the show house today as this is what I was advised to do when I first viewed 2 weeks ago. However, after I had gone around measuring up for my furniture, I was informed that someone came in yesterday and paid a reservation fee for the same plot that I had just paid for. I knew someone else was interested, but as far as I was concerned, the property was mine, because I was accepted for it by the shared ownership scheme. These other people were apparantly waiting for their wages to increase, and were accepted for a smaller property, but not the bigger one that they wanted. So they have not had acceptance by the shared ownership yet, for this property, only the smaller houses.

I think these people have just rushed in with their reservation fee (agents are saying first one with the fee gets the property) to get the one they wanted, regardless of if they have been accepted for the property, because the agents told them someone else was coming in with the reservation fee. It is likely they will be accepted, but where does that leave me? I have already had the letter to say I have been accepted for 'plot 48' and paid my fee. But because they paid the fee first, the agents seem to think they can have the property?

I am not sure where I stand at all, and would like some advice before I speak to them tomorrow. There is no way in hell I can pay £5000 for stuff I dont even like, or need! Ive just about got the £4000 I need for my own moving costs.

Help! Sorry its long winded!

globalds

I can't see why you would have to pay for the show fittings.When I was very much younger .The first place I bought was show flat.And everything was included .I didnt even know it was a show flat ..If they had told me to pay for the fittings I would have told them to take out the fittings .
I would stand your ground on this one ..what whith the trend in property at the momment they will lose their nerve before you .

RubyShoes

Thanks for the reply!

I just had a phonecall from the sales team, to say I have got the property I wanted! Their manager told them that as I was approved by Homeshub (shared ownership) it doesnt matter that the other people paid a deposit first, because its reserved as soon as I was accepted for it.

Phew! Only down side is its got a smaller garden, but atleast I dont have the worry of fiding extra money for things I dont need or want!