Selling to nextdoor neighbour

user1977

RAS said:

Even if you've had a written offer accepted there is NOTHING to stop the vendor changing their mind right up to the time contracts are exchanged, in England or Wales.

It's a bit different in Scotland but even then there's flexibility until missives are agreed.

Not that different, other than the contract will tend to be concluded at an earlier stage than would normally be the case in E&W. Either party is free to walk away before then for any reason they like.

RAS

Which all means that if Beenie's friend had agreed in writing to sell the house to the neighbour years ago, there would be no legal reason why they couldn't change their minds now.

As long as it wasn't included in the deeds when they bought (as happened to someone I knew who used the sellers' solicitor).

andy444

I could come along and say the owner agreed to sell that house to me for £100 but it obviously wouldn't mean anything as that would just be ridiculous.

Tell the chancer to do one.

74jax

Once I had an offer accepted, we were due to exchange in a week. Someone came in and offered more and that's it, they dumped me and went with higher offer.

I can't even believe your friend is engaging in this conversation with the neighbour.

If tell the neighbour, if and when I decided to sell, I'd let them know which agent in using. 

cymruchris

Not a leg to stand on. They can of course buy it for whatever the selling price happens to be if they are genuinely interested - otherwise, they'll soon have some new neighbours. Maybe they can get them drunk too, and try the same scam over again

Sunsaru

People agree to things all the time and then go back on it, just ask my ex wife....

cymruchris

Sunsaru said:

People agree to things all the time and then go back on it, just ask my ex wife....

This has reminded me of the time when I was 15 - my aunty had a little ford fiesta, and was getting on in years, with it hardly ever being used. She said 'When you're 17 and you pass your test, that little car will be yours' - in front of my parents and a few other relatives. When 17 came, and I passed my test, the promise was suddenly forgotten. The car never moved again, and she passed away when I was around 25. (I still didn't get the car - but in a way I was relieved - as it was maroon. Not the best colour for someone as young and fashionable as myself)

Lavendyr

Agree with all those who say "not a leg to stand on" , "do one", etc.

Just one concern though - is this neighbour in the larger house likely to kick off/cause disruption/frustrate any other sale? By no means saying that should change your friend's plans, but they may need to deal with some difficult behaviour.

Abbafan1972

No this won't hold any water at all.  Just be careful when Googling for things with the word "oral" in.