Seller asking for a few days to move after completion?

AnonymousAardvark

Hello,

I'm a first time time buyer and we're moving towards exchange&completion, but my seller recently asked could they have a few days after the completion of the sale for them to move out. They've explained that this is due to them being unable to get childcare for their kids due to the COVID-19 situation, and that they would be unable to completely move out on the Friday.

In principle I'm fine with this, as I'm currently living with family and so won't be homeless or require storage for furniture or anything like that. I'm just wary of the legal implications. I think the sellers are nice people and aren't asking for something super unreasonable and that in all likelihood nothing would go wrong, but my mind is conjuring up "what if something goes wrong". I've explained to them that I'm wary because the mortgage and sale require vacant possession, but I think they're just hoping for an informal agreement.

Thoughts?

davidmcn

Absolutely not. Why can't they just postpone completion?

AnonymousAardvark

davidmcn said:

Absolutely not. Why can't they just postpone completion?

Well, presumably because they need the funds (aka my money) for the sale of their current house to buy the house they're moving into, which would only be released upon completion...

Slithery

No. Don't do it.

SpiderLegs

No no no no no no no no no no

Paully28

No don't do it, 
No, and a bit more No. 
Likelihood of anything going wrong is low, and they move out a few days later. However, if they decide not to, then all sorts of hassle. 
You gain nothing from the deal, and you could create all sorts of issues for yourself. 

AnonymousAardvark

Thanks for the responses - I'm unsure of how to move forward on this then as they have indicated that they don't have many other options...

Carrot007

As long as:

1. They are no longer residing in the house after completion.

2. They no longer have access to the house after completion. (no keys etc).

3. They sign a contract saying if the stuff is not removed within 5 days it is legally yours to do with as you will.

4. You provide resonable hours (say 8 a day) you will be there to supervise removal.

Then I see no issue.

But as others say just don't do it. (I guess they will not agree to the above anyway).

lincroft1710

I'm sure your solicitor would advise against this, why not check with them?

Then you can say to the vendor "My solicitor has advised me not to allow this".

SallyDucati

Another no don't do it.
Have you discussed this with your solicitor?  

davidmcn

It's perfectly normal for families to manage a move within one working day, I'm sure they can figure out a solution for childcare if they tried to (what exactly is the problem? There are exceptions from the various restrictions for the purposes of childcare).