Obstructive Estate Agent

Haveyougotenoughtime

Hi,
we've had an offer accepted on a house - the mortgage has been approved, now we're waiting to exchange contracts.
In the meantime, I need to start booking in tradesmen to do work in the autumn following completion.
In order to do this, I've approached the estate agent and asked him if I can have access to the property to show them what needs doing, but he's being obsctuctive.
I am on good terms with the vendor - should I approach him instead?
What rights does the estate agent have regarding access to the property during this go-between stage? Is he within his rights to withold access?
Thanks.

lesalanos

Maybe he asked the vendor and they don't want disturbing by lots of tradesmen along with the possibility of him then being asked to drop the price.

Little point booking tradesmen in case it all falls through too IMO

Haveyougotenoughtime

We have already dropped the price to take into account the work that needs doing.
That's all been agreed and the vendor knows we are going to have people in to fix it eventually.
I'm just wondering what the rights are of the EA - is he allowed to deny access until we exchange? It's only to show them what needs doing.
Thanks.

user1977

The EA doesn't have "rights". It's the vendor's property, it's up to them who and when anybody visits. 

Haveyougotenoughtime

Thanks - that's good to know :-)

DayDreamerandGeneralWaster

I suspect the EA is telling you what the vendor is telling them- be wary of trying to circumvent the EA. 

Mutton_Geoff

The agent is not being obstructive, you are being too forward and the vendor is pushing back. It’s not your property until you complete, the current owners have a right to a quiet life and prepare for their own move.

NameUnavailable

Is the property empty or are the vendors living there?

If empty then the agent needs to accompany people so they may be putting you off if they're really busy. If vendors are living there then they are saying no to the EA, so asking them directly won't help.

steampowered

Why do you need to get tradesmen in now, if the work won't get done until the autumn?

Wait until exchange

Irishpearce26

You've already had a price reduction for the work that needs doing, I suspect its the vendor rejecting your request. They may have started packing and have boxes and things everywhere, I know I wouldn't want different tradesman coming in for your convenience. Be patient and wait until you've completed.

Haveyougotenoughtime

OK - to answer some questions:
The house is empty, it's being sold by a lovely man who used to know the lady.
The vendor (lovely man) and myself are currently working together to get external works fixed.
Tradesmen round here are fully booked until the autumn - I can't get a gas connection installed for 8 weeks - I need to start booking now.
'Nameunavailable' - thanks - that's probably it - I hadn't realised that they need to be present - that's a pain, but understandable.
Thanks.