Viewing house before completion

Paris05

Hi
I'm due to complete in 2 weeks time and thought it would be a good idea for me to go to the property one final time to ask the sellers some last minute questions. The estate agent has come back to me saying the sellers have said no because they are both currently working from home, they are in the process of packing and are anxious about me seeing the house. 

I can appreciate the part about packing. However the anxious part is not sitting well with me. Any thoughts?   

davidmcn

Have you exchanged?

Paris05

Yes we have exchanged. 

davidmcn

Not sure they ought to have a huge concern then - sometimes it's that they don't want the buyers getting cold feet (or spotting "new" defects). Then again, unless you had provided for it in the contract then you don't have a right to another viewing. Why do you need to ask them questions in person? Doesn't really sit well with current restrictions.

Seashell517

Too late then.

Nile_E_Coyote

Would most people view it again before exchange? To check its in the same condition as 3 months ago?

greatcrested

The critical point is Exchange.

Your contract is to buy the property in the condition it was in on the date of Exchange, so viewing again on that day or day before makes sense. If on Completion it is materially different, then you have a claim.

But if you've already Exchanged there's litle point now (legally) though you might like to just to measure curtains or remind yourself how much you like the property.

Paris05

Even if there were defects and the sellers were concerned about me having cold feet, we've exchanged so I would have no choice but to continue with the purchase. 
I understand with lockdown the sellers not wanting to have people round.
Do people normally view the property before completion? 

davidmcn

Paris05 said:

Do people normally view the property before completion? 

It would make more sense to view before exchange, for the reasons explained above - not a great deal of point going round between exchange and completion..

IAMIAM

I always insist on viewing before exchange.
Most sellers refuse because as soon as a sale is is agreed, they couldn't care less about the house anymore, roll on no cleaning, no gardening and the rest of it. Thats the root cause which is usually covered by working from home, visitors are here - bla bla bla. 
They will allow removal men round, elec and gas people round, shopping, deliveries and all the rest BUT OH NO, NOT THE BUYERS

wilfred30

Unfortunately, whether it 'sits well' with you or not, you are now committed to buying the house so it won't make any difference whether they answer your questions in person or by email/phone/text etc.

As has been mentioned, it's not a particularly good idea to be in the house with them and they are quite within their rights to deny your request on Covid grounds alone.  I wouldn't read too much into it.