House sales keep falling through - Am I the problem?

macman

The vendor's agent is not a surveyor, they will have no idea of the true condition of the property, and will be marketing it on the basis of the vendor's instructions, whether that matches their own valuation or not.
EA's are not required to be honest, they just need to ensure that they aren't knowingly dishonest by misrepresenting the condition of the property.

Crashy_Time

It is the worst time in a long time to be buying property, let the financial turmoil do what it is going to do, then get out and make some low offers.

WiseOwl00

I don't think you're doing anything wrong. Thatched cottages, whilst absolutely lovely, are more likely to have problems with them due to their age + structures. I think you just need to bare in mind that it will likely take you longer to find a suitable property than those looking at newer builds as you have more complex surveys + issues to deal with.

I would have dropped out of the first two sales as well. For the first one, I personally wouldn't have thought to check planning permission as I'm a first time buyer too. But you learn this stuff through the process and now you know you can easily check that before even seeing a property. For the second one, you've acknowledged the fact that you're willing to pay to fix the property but they weren't willing to negotiate with you. To be honest, I'd still be cautious buying a house with that bad a survey. If a cottage hasn't been looked after over the years it can be rendered almost worthless and cost an absolute fortune to restore. It's just about finding one which is at the right level for you. Good luck with it - I hope you find one soon!

WiseOwl00

Crashy_Time said:

It is the worst time in a long time to be buying property, let the financial turmoil do what it is going to do, then get out and make some low offers.

You do realise that not everyone can just put their life on hold to wait for your predicted crash in the property market to happen? 

[Deleted User]

pbhb said:

Densol said:

my nephew is currently selling a 200 year old cottage. He did not have a survey when he bought it. The first purchaser had a survey - it was in the face of it devastating and he had no idea. They pulled out. He got lots of expert reports and they dismissed the majority of issues, fixed some and gave prices for others. 

Second purchaser just had survey and he is waiting to hear but at least he has more info to discuss if the purchasers want to negotiate etc.

This is the type of sale I’m looking for! Where is he selling? I would be interested if it’s near where I want to buy!

His is near Bodmin moor Cornwall 

DayDreamerandGeneralWaster

You are doing fine. You know what you are and aren't willing to accept. Third time lucky. 

Crashy_Time

WiseOwl00 said:

Crashy_Time said:

It is the worst time in a long time to be buying property, let the financial turmoil do what it is going to do, then get out and make some low offers.

You do realise that not everyone can just put their life on hold to wait for your predicted crash in the property market to happen? 

Most people can tick over quite nicely whether they buy a pile of bricks or not, they are unlikely to be living on the street and going to viewings, you will be surprised at just how many people CAN "put their life on hold" (very silly term, straight out of the mortgage sellers playbook) if they think property will be cheaper in future, or God Forbid their lender says that the sellers delusional price isn`t realistic,,,

pumas

Going through a divorce and having two dogs, trying to buy a property took about 6 months.
1st house, they sold to someone else, didn't tell me, even let my surveyor in!
2nd house had subsidence, which I didn't know about 'til I couldn't get a mortgage.(35 years later, still standing!)
3rd house, second thoughts about location, and second viewing seller was a bit off. Fortunately, I had a great solicitor who gave me the courage to pull out and not feel guilty.
4th house, ticked all the boxes and more, only sold to move to other end of the country.
Hang on in there.

pbhb

pumas said:

Going through a divorce and having two dogs, trying to buy a property took about 6 months.
1st house, they sold to someone else, didn't tell me, even let my surveyor in!
2nd house had subsidence, which I didn't know about 'til I couldn't get a mortgage.(35 years later, still standing!)
3rd house, second thoughts about location, and second viewing seller was a bit off. Fortunately, I had a great solicitor who gave me the courage to pull out and not feel guilty.
4th house, ticked all the boxes and more, only sold to move to other end of the country.
Hang on in there.

Amazing! This gives me faith, thank you! 

pumas

And my pulling out, really p**d off my OH as we were still living 'together'!