Buying extras

Redwino222

I have only ever purchased new builds.  My move is suddenly progressing well, and I have been asked if I want to buy curtains and light fixtures etc.

They aren’t my style, but I would use Them for a while until I pick my new stuff.  But, as such I would only be willing to pay a small amount for them,  I’m not really sure how much I should offer, or if I should even bother.  The amount I would offer would seem insulting (and tiny compared to a £300k house purchase).

any experience you can share?

[Deleted User]

We have generally stipulated that we want them within the main offer, or negotiated them separately with the vendor as in all of our circumstances they have been useful. As you say - maybe not a permanent but they fit and easy until a replacement can be found.
The easiest option is probably to go back and say you are unsure if you want them but could the vendor list what they would want for them and then you'll make a decision. This puts the ball in their court. If they come back with a reasonable figure and you are happy to pay a nominal fee for ease then do it. If they are asking silly money then you say thanks but no thanks.

olgadapolga

I would just add that if you are going to buy them, check the condition that they are in. The vendor of our house left the curtains as he'd already moved out. The curtains were disgusting and the backs (which couldn't be seen easily) were covered in mould. Fortunately we didn't pay for them but we still had to dispose of them. Floor to ceiling curtains are not easily put out for kerbside recycling!

I wouldn't worry about making an insulting offer either. The vendor can take it or leave it. 

lucypilates

If the vendor is prepared to sell the light fittings to you, it means they probably don't want them in the first place and are just seeing if they can capitalise on this. If you say, thanks but no thanks, they may decide to leave them anyway as it's less hassle for them. If they are fittings that are flush with the ceiling, then they will have to pay for an electrician to replace them with pendant fittings and if they are already pendant fittings, can you live with bare bulbs for a while? 
I'd say no thanks if it were me and see what they leave you with.

user1977

The norm is that stuff like this is left behind anyway (as probably not being much use for the vendor's next place), not that you'd pay any extra for the privilege of having their second-hand curtains etc.

UnderOffer

Our vendor listed at very reasonable prices the light fittings she wished to sell, even stated the brand so you could look up costs etc., however they also wanted money for 3 blinds in the kitchen, custom made and were of no use in their new build property. This annoyed me a little but I just agreed to pay for them. We had about 8 items in total for about £250. 

For us we left custom fitted vertical blinds in every room for free, curtain rails, 2 wardrobes, a settee and beautiful mirror in hallway, all at no cost that our buyers accepted. 

Redwino222

Thanks everyone for the advice and experiences.

I am leaving relatively new blinds aswell - they won’t fit my new house.  Also leaving curtain poles but not curtains.  

I have said thanks but no thanks for the items.  I would rally on be prepared to pay about £50 for them as I would only use them for a month or two.  Seems too much hassle.  If they are left I will use them initially - but probably not the curtains.