Due to complete this week - vendor dilly-dallying with access

NQManchester

My friend completed on an empty property and all the copper piping had been stolen in the interim... 
I agree rubbish wouldn’t be a big deal but I’d be a bit concerned if they’re refusing access.

Thrugelmir

wilfred30 said:

IMO, it's definitely suspicious that the EA and vendor are denying you access when they both have keys.

EA takes instructions from the vendors. 

Competsoph

This smells funny to me. I’d definitely want to see what’s going on.
If the property is empty and the vendor is unwell, how does that impact on you entering and viewing in a socially distanced visit by the EA? Demand to view or exchange is on hold. 

Slinky

Why do you gain anything by exchanging, then delaying completion for a week? Once you've exchanged, you're committed to completion on pain of losing at least your deposit if you don't.  If something smells fishy, don't exchange until you've seen inside again, and if that means moving the exchange AND completion back by a week, so be it.

ETA, they could be worrying that you are having second thoughts and will pull out if you see the property again. My OH was having similar thoughts as we'd never met our buyers. When they came round just before exchange it was obvious they were thoroughly committed to the move.  The vendor hasn't met you so could be imagining all sorts.

cooltt

jamielutz1987 said:

Hi,
We are due to complete (same day exchange and completion) on a purchase this Thursday and had agreed on a final pre-completion visit to make sure the property has been cleared of personal possessions (it was vacant already but there were items stored in a few places including the loft) and that items specified in the contents and fittings list have been left behind.

However we've just heard from the EA that the vendor has had some health issues come up because of which she can't commit to allowing access prior to completion.

We aren't comfortable completing without a final visit and conveyed to the EA that completion will be delayed until we can arrange that.

The EA has suggested that we exchange this week and complete later. We specifically went for simultaneous exchange+completion upon the recommendation of our solicitor as it's chain free on both sides and to avoid any loss staying arising from last minute lender related issues.

My partner thinks we should just go ahead with the scheduled completion date anyways. I would like people's thoughts on any alternate course of action to take?

It's all very well saying don't bother just complete but it's not our money is it.

Something smells fishy, insist on access or no deal. No deal EA don't get paid.

maisie_cat

I must agree that the lack of access prior to exchange would worry me. We drove 250 miles to do a pre exchange last look, the property was a probate and empty so we were concerned about burst pipes or a fire having destroyed the property. The estate agents had the keys and attended, we exchanged on the way home.
Would it be possible for you to go over and have a look see outside? 

steve866

I have never asked for a final viewing before exchange to check things over, but I have asked to go and measure up for furniture etc as I’ve got closer to exchange and I’ve never been denied. It could be the EA not wanting to bother with a viewing when he thinks the deal is in the bag? Either way I would want access simply because the EA excuse seems off...

jellie

Does the vendor mean they can't access the property before exchange/completion, so won't actually be able to remove the rubbish? 

rik111

Ask the agent outright. If you have the keys why are you denying me access before completion, what are you trying to hide. Simple question that they can’t get out of. Insist on an answer / viewing,  they are not going to lose a sale nor is the vendor if you insist. 

lisyloo

My guess would be the vendor needs to do something and might not be able to do it if unwell.