Are the vendors trying to hide something?

Grenage

I've asked to have a mundic test, get someone in to check the drains and a builder to quote for repair work. The latest development is an offer of a £2k reduction in price if I agree to forgoe all of these inspections. (Aside from mundic which mortgage company won't proceed without). If I don't agree they'all re-list the property.

Run; run fast.

ReadingTim

I don't think they're trying to hide anything more than you've already uncovered, but that if all of these issues had been made clear up front, it would probably deter interest from all but a few, who'd probably drive a hard bargain which means they'd lose money.

However, what you haven't said is whether the mortgage valuation agreed with the price you offered, or not. It's perfectly acceptable for a place to have the sort of issues you mention if the price reflects this, in the eyes of the lender. Just because you offer the asking price, doesn't mean the house will necessarily be issue free.

At the end of the day, you can only continue with the additional tests etc to ascertain the cost of putting things right and see if you're happy with shelling out for these as well as buying the place. Or do as little as necessary to get the mortgage (mundic test) and take the chance the place won't collapse while you're living in it. Which is a perfectly acceptable approach to take, but realise you'll face these issues again when you come to sell it. But if the vendors won't play ball, or even if the trust has gone, it might be easier to walk away and find a less challenging 1st property.

Flutterbat17

I would be very uneasy about the vendors making threats/ultimatums like that. It's your investment, you want to make sure the house is a good investment. Buying a house without surveys is a huge risk, certainly sounds like they are wanting out asap - maybe they are struggling financially or perhaps they do know something about the house that is wrong. I'd walk away if they carry on. We're buying a old house and we've invested ££££ in lots of surveys to make sure it is safe and not going to have any mayor issues.

Maybe this house isn't meant to be?

chappers

In a word I would say, yes, they may know of more issues than your surveyor has found.
As an FTB I'm not sure it's a good idea to be taking on a property with potential problems
On the mundic front, how old is the house and is it definitely block construction.

Cakeguts

This house is only suitable for someone with building experience it is going to prove to be much too expensive for a first time buyer to correct all the things that are wrong with it.

Now might be a very good time to think how lucky you were that you had a survey that told you not to buy it?

Tess2017

The surveyor wouldn't give a valuation until the mundic report is back, but they've unofficially agreed that the house is worth asking price (just not on paper).

To be honest I'm not asking for these extra investigation in the hope of any money off (unless there is something seriously wrong), I'm happy to pay the asking price so long as there's nothing ELSE wrong with it. I just want to be thorough and make sure everything is as it should be, primarily so I can sell it when I need to. The issues that have been thrown up so far aren't insurmountable, it's their attitude that's giving me bad vibes.

There's only one bit of the extension that is the right age & needs to be checked for mundic, the rest is granite. Pretty sure it'll be fine but vendors never had a mundic test when they bought (no idea how they got away with that one, they won't say and my mortgage company are insisting).

Marvel1

Selling after 12 months and forget any further investigations, walk away.

Tess2017

Calling their bluff worked!! They've agreed that I can crack on with the further investigations. Looks like they didn't want to start the hunt for a new buyer after all :rotfl:

RobertoMoir

I'm glad you're getting what seems to be the result you want, but reading this makes me think there's something fishy about this house. I'd be seriously tempted to walk away in your position.

There will be other houses. Most of them won't come with potential major faults.

cjmillsnun

Not being funny, you're going to be offering less after the inspections. If you don't want the hassle, walk.