House we're buying left empty and window left open - what if something happens before exchange?

drgg

We're due to exchange and complete the house we are buying on Friday.

The house has been empty since we viewed it, and a couple of weeks ago we drove past and noticed an upstairs window was left WIDE open. We assumed someone was inside. However this past weekend, we drove by again and saw the window is still in the same position. We've told the agent to ask that the owner goes by to secure the house and check for issues. Obviously we have no idea if they'll actually do so.

This is mostly 'Just in Case' as I have no idea whether anything bad will have occurred, but what would we do if we turned up with the keys on Friday and found the open window had caused damage from wind/rain/bugs/people climbing in etc? How would we proceed? Would it immediately be an issue for our insurance or something else?

If it's relevant, there is proof it has been open an extended amount of time because the house next door is now also for sale and the window can be seen in their pictures (posted online 10 days ago).

[Deleted User]

You should really have insurance on the house from the day you exchange. If its empty and any damage occurs (or god forbid it burned down) it will make life a lot easier for you if its already insured. This article says that from the moment you exchange you take responsiblity for any damage. https://www.moneysupermarket.com/money-made-easy/moving-house-get-home-insurance-the-day-you-exchange/?cicp1=&source=GOO-0X0000031B7F96D481&mckv=s3QB34m9T|dc_pcrid_276505597639_mtype_b_kword__2764ri918980_slid__pgrid_54755678633_ptaid_dsa-400098248325&uuid=11111111-1111-1111-1111-111111111111&Device=c&engine=google&ptaid=dsa-400098248325&gclid=CjwKCAjwqZPrBRBnEiwAmNJsNj6kfg1ELL2OS4TLcFKEstZSfFciiGyif0g4jf-iC7MNDBo68pOd8hoCvE8QAvD_BwE&adloc=1006960&pgrid=54755678633

suki1964

deannatrois wrote: »

You should really have insurance on the house from the day you exchanged. If its empty and any damage occurs (or god forbid it burned down) it will make life a lot easier for you if its already insured.

They haven't exchanged yet

OP, any damage to the property until that time is down to the vendor to put right

Carrot007

suki1964 wrote: »

They haven't exchanged yet

OP, any damage to the property until that time is down to the vendor to put right

And I would now request a viewing where you can close the window and check for damage. Or threaten to pull out. Who knows what has gone on, there may be squatters or worse.

Yalpsmol

When are you expecting to exchange? View property shortly before exchange. Shut window. If there are any visible issues you can delay exchange until they're rectified. I'm assuming as its empty exchange and completion aren't likely to be too far apart (not clear if there's a chain or not)?

need_an_answer

I would suggest that you contact the agent and request to view the house prior to your exchange and completion.

Up until the point that exchange happens the property is the responsibility of the seller...if they have chosen to leave windows wide open then that's their call not yours.

When you do visit prior exchange check that the window opens and closes freely if its been in the open position for a long time it may need a little wd40 around the opening mechanisms to keep it supple.

if it were me i'd leave the window closed after you've viewed,either say nothing or point out that you've seen it open a couple of times presumably to air the property but all seems well so no harm in closing now going forward.

On the viewing before exchange check that everything is how you remembered it and note anything that appears substantially different so that you can discuss this with your solicitor and the vendor.

Remember that you will need to take insurance out on the property from exchange,but as you are exchanging and completing on the same day make sure that you are happy with the internal situation of the property before you allow the go ahead for exchange/completion.

G_M

arrange a viewing just before Exchange.


If all OK, great. If not, delay exchange and get ... whatever is wrong.... put right before you exchange.


Put your own insurance in place from date of Exchange. (shop around now so you are ready)

drgg

Thank you everyone.

We've not exchanged yet, but insurance is already set up from Friday.

The agent apparently went by and closed the window this morning, I'll make sure we can go by before Friday and look everything over but I feel MUCH better now!

m0bov

Def do a viewing before exchange, prolly just full of spiders, but rain could of got in or you might have other unwelcome visitors.

eddddy

drgg wrote: »

We've not exchanged yet, but insurance is already set up from Friday.

Bear in mind that exchange/completion may be delayed and not happen on Friday - so you might be paying for unnecessary insurance.