House purchase complete. Vendor still in situ nightmare

Blowsbubbles

Hi all, I'm one of the unlucky ones whose house purchase has been an absolute nightmare. Long story so will try and be concise. 
Completed 10am today, got keys, was asked if I could delay until 11:30am (fine) arrived at 1pm to find vendor still in situ. House barely packed, filthy and doubtful will be in habitable state without some serious elbow grease!
I had an inkling want going to be smooth so also had a 1k retainer held on purchase for building work she needed to do. Found out yesterday supposedly builder cancelled. I underestimated cost of this, and now informed will be 3k.
I've given them this weekend to clear and clean but remain doubtful will happen. 
I'm aware I'm likely going to have to take her to court for breach of contract.
My question ; has anyone already been through this and please advise best next steps if so. Will take plenty of photos. Can I pay professional cleaners and claim this back? Similar for house removers? I don't want to be out of pocket, but also want to get things moving. How long may it take? What is she doesn't have the money?
Have informed my solicitor and we are going to wait and reinspect on Monday and proceed from here. Thanks for any advice 

pbartlett

has the vendor vacated the property and do you have posession? 

UnderOffer

They obviously are not aware of how serious this is. Why had they not left, did they have removals or man with a van waiting? Do they have another property to go to?

I know it’s not your responsibility but if they are struggling organising the move it may be worth you organising a van on their behalf? Then sue for all costs. 

moneysavinghero

This article says that you can only claim for interest so it's not worth taking court action. Although if they are still there in 2 weeks you can rescind the contract.
https://propertyindustryeye.com/agents-criticised-as-vendor-still-packing-up-hours-after-completion-leaves-house-like-a-skip/

Blowsbubbles

She had hired a mid-size van, though I'd say she needed an articulated lorry with the amount of stuff she hoards. Only started packing yesterday, days behind! There was a slight delay as they didn't get keys to new house to unload, however even if she had wouldn't of been ready.
I have keys, though 'leant' them one to keep packing and  moving

Blowsbubbles

UnderOffer said:

They obviously are not aware of how serious this is. Why had they not left, did they have removals or man with a van waiting? Do they have another property to go to?

I know it’s not your responsibility but if they are struggling organising the move it may be worth you organising a van on their behalf? Then sue for all costs. 

It's the sueing for costs in not so sure about. What I can actually sue for and what is reasonable etc 

moneysavinghero

What happening with all your belongings? And when are you are staying  now you have someone in your house?

HobgoblinBT

What did your solicitor advise when you told them?

Blowsbubbles

Luckily in rental, knew there was work to be done so wasn't planning on moving in today.
My solicitor is great, offered to proceed with claiming damages etc, but I said to give her the weekend. To be honest I'd rather wait and let her clear her crap out then so myself and charge her after. However realistically think will have to anyway, so an chatting further on Monday. Just wanted to get ahead of game this weekend if what to expect, and to research who I could book to do what (e. G she's now leaving oven (good as it's a quality range cooker) but it's filthy!! So need to get oven cleaners booked etc  or do I need to get 3 quotes for court? 

HampshireH

How did you get the keys if she is still in there?

She sounds like a nightmare. You however sound very tolerant. Well done. I'd have lost my ....😂

Carrot007

Blowsbubbles said:

 (e. G she's now leaving oven (good as it's a quality range cooker) but it's filthy!! So need to get oven cleaners booked etc  or do I need to get 3 quotes for court? 

There is no requirement to leave a clean cooker, or even a working one (though they really should tell you about any issues up front). So nothing to do there.