Seller con artist

DJM1974

Hi 

We were half way buying a new property when as sensible I paid for a full building survey. The seller was awkward with my surveyer on the phone and during survey. The report brought back multiple issues from new roof, illegal electrical work, subsidence, extension built over sewage pipes the list is endless. I naturally pulled out of the purchase. The seller has now changed estate agents and the property is back on rightmove for the same price. Is there anything I can do to hopefully stop other people who are not as buying savvy from inheriting 30k upwards of reperation issues?

[Deleted User]

No. Buyers will do their own due diligence and price accordingly.

Not really a con.

The_Real_Cheddar_Bob

DJM1974 said:

Hi 

We were half way buying a new property when as sensible I paid for a full building survey. The seller was awkward with my surveyer on the phone and during survey. The report brought back multiple issues from new roof, illegal electrical work, subsidence, extension built over sewage pipes the list is endless. I naturally pulled out of the purchase. The seller has now changed estate agents and the property is back on rightmove for the same price. Is there anything I can do to hopefully stop other people who are not as buying savvy from inheriting 30k upwards of reperation issues?

Yes loads. Make a sign, stand outside and wait to be moved on. 

NortheastEA

Under the Consumer Protection Act an estate agent is legally obliged to disclose "material facts" regarding a property. So if they ARE AWARE of issues as you state they have to disclose them to a buyer. 

Likely Agent A told them this so he withdrew and has not disclosed to agent B.

EG if we know its a short lease and a buyer cant get a mortgage this is put on our sales details and confirmed on every viewing booked

You could do nothing and let any "new" buyer carry out their own survey etc or take your copy to the new agent and let them deal with it. 

Sadly they might ignore what you show them but thats their prerogative

AdrianC

DJM1974 said:

We were half way buying a new property when as sensible I paid for a full building survey. The seller was awkward with my surveyer on the phone and during survey. The report brought back multiple issues from new roof, illegal electrical work, subsidence, extension built over sewage pipes the list is endless. I naturally pulled out of the purchase. The seller has now changed estate agents and the property is back on rightmove for the same price. Is there anything I can do to hopefully stop other people who are not as buying savvy from inheriting 30k upwards of reperation issues?

Multiple issues from new roof - How new? Warranty? What issues? Or is it just generic surveyor saying "get a specialist to look", as they always do...?

Illegal electrical work - Illegal in what way? Simply not signed off? When was the work done? Did you get an EICR?

Subsidence - Historic or active?

Extension built over sewage pipes - When? Any build-over agreement?

Nothing out of that lot in any way inherently requires the property to be demolished and sold as a building plot... So of course it's reasonable that the seller should try to find another buyer.

Everything you've described could be perfectly manageable. It's up to any potential buyer to do as you did, and get whatever due diligence done to satisfy them of the condition.

Did your survey give a value? How did that relate to your offer or the asking price? Perhaps those issues were priced in?

teachfast

Just post a copy to the new estate agent with bullet point summary on the top.  Then move on.

lookstraightahead

DJM1974 said:

Hi 

We were half way buying a new property when as sensible I paid for a full building survey. The seller was awkward with my surveyer on the phone and during survey. The report brought back multiple issues from new roof, illegal electrical work, subsidence, extension built over sewage pipes the list is endless. I naturally pulled out of the purchase. The seller has now changed estate agents and the property is back on rightmove for the same price. Is there anything I can do to hopefully stop other people who are not as buying savvy from inheriting 30k upwards of reperation issues?

The point of a survey is to bring up issues, as all houses undoubtedly have. Every survey you have going forward will have issues. 

MalMonroe

Deleted_User said:

No. Buyers will do their own due diligence and price accordingly.

Not really a con.

May not be a con but it's illegal not to point out any faults to prospective purchasers in respect of property.

MalMonroe

DJM1974 said:

Hi 

We were half way buying a new property when as sensible I paid for a full building survey. The seller was awkward with my surveyer on the phone and during survey. The report brought back multiple issues from new roof, illegal electrical work, subsidence, extension built over sewage pipes the list is endless. I naturally pulled out of the purchase. The seller has now changed estate agents and the property is back on rightmove for the same price. Is there anything I can do to hopefully stop other people who are not as buying savvy from inheriting 30k upwards of reperation issues?

By law, vendors have to disclose problems (such as the ones you have discovered) to potential purchasers. In this case, the vendors surely must have known about the major points you list above. If and when anyone buys that property without being told of the problems, the vendors will probably be sued because they have not issued a full disclosure.

Not your problem but I think it's only natural for you to be concerned about others. And also, very kind! 

PollyWollyDoodle

Wrong. 

They don’t have to disclose anything - it’s for the buyers to make their own enquiries. The vendors have to answer truthfully questions like ‘have there been any disputes with the neighbours’ but they are not giving any warranty as to the condition of the property, and there is no basis on which they can be sued. That’s why a buyers’ survey is so important. Just walk away, it’s not your problem. 

Marvel1

No, another buyer maybe happy or lower price for the issues.