Are the vendors trying to hide something?

Kidder81

From the info you've given, my advice would be to walk away. It's the biggest purchase of your life and there's more than an element of doubt over this house.

Waterlily24

I'd walk away too.

TBagpuss

I'd be very cautious and I would be reducing my offer by the amount likely to be needed to rectify the issues, if not walking away altogether.

Lurkingtoposting17

Like you, first time buyer and my vendor made similar demands, dragged his feet lied about things. Tried to force exchange without me seeing property again. I put my foot down and got in, and found numerous issues. So I pulled out.

Gut instinct is usually right. But do your investigations and don't be pushed around. House buying is stressful and expensive, but better to dig your heels in and know you made the right decision then regret it later. I am glad I didn't allow myself to be bullied, but I didn't pull out without fully investigating even though I thought it would fall through as I didn't want to spend my life wondering what if.