Buyers' solicitor wants extension build date

MrBrindle

Good evening, I was wondering if someone could help a very anxious house seller?

We sold our property back in November, and quite close to exchanging I think. We signed our contract of sale at start of the week, and returned to our solicitors. The buyers' survey was conducted 3 weeks ago this Monday and we haven't heard any negative comments back. It was a lender valuation and homebuyers.

So after signing the contract and answering a few minor queries we thought we were moving forward, however today, the buyers' solicitors asked if we knew when the extension was added to our property. A comment raised by the surveyor. Our survey, when we bought the place suggested that the main house itself was 1900's build and extension approx 1950's. I don't remember an issue raised by this when we bought the place.

I've been quite nervous throughout this selling process (hate selling houses), and now this has thrown me a bit when we're so close. Why would the buyers' solicitor want to know, and is this anything to do with planning regs etc? Obviously we'll have no idea of any certificates/documentation etc! Do I have reason to worry over this query?

Can a lot of issues still be raised following the signing of contracts?

Any advice greatly appreciated.

davidmcn

If it's 1950s then it's irrelevant ancient history. Just tell them and stop worrying.

Signing contracts doesn't mean you've exchanged.

Doozergirl

If you think it is 1950s, say that.

It will be tondonwith building regs but they didn!!!8217;t have national standards back then so there should be no issue as there will be no paperwork.

MrBrindle

Ok thanks both. I told my solicitor that our survey suggested it was a 50's build.

No I know signing isn't exchanging, hence my last question. This is the first time we've been in a chain, and signed, exchanged and completed on same day whith this house. Just wondering what can happen between signing and exchanging.

Thrugelmir

MrBrindle wrote: »

So after signing the contract and answering a few minor queries we thought we were moving forward,

You are. The buyers solicitor has to make enquiries to satisfy the buyers lender. All part of the process.

MrBrindle

Morning, still thinking about this. Another thread popped up with a buyer saying she was concerned regarding a lack of building regs on an extension.

Some posters suggested a full build survey, digging to see foundations, and check to see if the structure is safe etc. Could this be the likely case with our buyers now? Probably over analysing it.

00ec25

MrBrindle wrote: »

Probably over analysing it.

yes you are. What do you want to happen?

MrBrindle wrote: »

We sold our property back in November,

apparently not otherwise you would not be asking these questions. You accepted an offer, you did not sell.

MrBrindle wrote: »

and quite close to exchanging I think. We signed our contract of sale at start of the week,

so you haven't sold anything, you haven't even exchanged yet

MrBrindle wrote: »

So after signing the contract and answering a few minor queries we thought we were moving forward,

you are

MrBrindle wrote: »

however today, the buyers' solicitors asked if we knew when the extension was added to our property. A comment raised by the surveyor. Our survey, when we bought the place suggested that the main house itself was 1900's build and extension approx 1950's. I don't remember an issue raised by this when we bought the place.

when you purchased your advisers had a different outlook on life. People take different attitudes to "risk" as you are yourself clearly showing. When you originally purchased did you solicitor even know there was an extension? Perhaps your solicitor knew more about the area and the house so did not need to ask?

MrBrindle wrote: »

I've been quite nervous throughout this selling process (hate selling houses), and now this has thrown me a bit when we're so close. Why would the buyers' solicitor want to know, and is this anything to do with planning regs etc? Obviously we'll have no idea of any certificates/documentation etc! Do I have reason to worry over this query?

obviously because the buyer's solicitor has a duty to his client to find out if there SHOULD be documentation. As you say it is 1950's and if that tallies with the buyer's surveyor's comments then that will be the end of that as the buyer's solicitor will well know that there would never be paperwork from such a period as the rules were not in place to require it

MrBrindle wrote: »

Can a lot of issues still be raised following the signing of contracts?

as your buyer's solicitor appears to be being thorough then no, there shouldn't be any major queries, because the buyer's solicitor seems to be making sure all the ducks are in a row before allowing his client to sign the contract and actually exchange (at which point then, and only then, have you "sold", although of course you still haven't completed...)