Advice

peterdm

We’ve had a couple of viewings at a property and really like the size potential and area where it is located (very few other properties available there):

The thing is, it seems to have been on and off the market for the past number of years. (possibly as many as 10 years). It’s not very clear why that is the case but seems property has struggled to sell. 

We are hesitant to spend a lot on a building survey if there are clear problems that we could be aware of. 

Are there any ways to find out about the property history? e.g.
* pushing estate agent for information (they have not given much away so far)
* asking another estate agent about property history

many thanks 

deannagone

Perhaps ask neighbours?

waribai

There is one like that on our road. Previous adverts used to mention subsidence issues that had been rectified. Their latest advert didn't mention any subsidence issue and now it has sold!

lookstraightahead

Why don't you ask them - might find they don't really want to move / won't accept an offer / something wrong that comes up in surveys etc 

Flugelhorn

I suppose my concern is that they weren't ever really sure that they wanted to move and are they sure now or will they change their minds?

martindow

It may be worth googling the address to see if anything crops up - maybe some ghastly crime took place there.

peterdm

martindow said:

It may be worth googling the address to see if anything crops up - maybe some ghastly crime took place there.

Interestingly / sadly, I was able to see that there was a suicide in one of the houses around ten years ago. Can’t confirm that house. I would be surprised if that was a cause?

Snookie12cat

peterdm said:

martindow said:

It may be worth googling the address to see if anything crops up - maybe some ghastly crime took place there.

Interestingly / sadly, I was able to see that there was a suicide in one of the houses around ten years ago. Can’t confirm that house. I would be surprised if that was a cause?

Near us a hostel went up for sale. It was the site of a gastly murder from a cannibal.. it was very cheap and no one bought it - it was a very high profile crime at the time

Sistergold

If I was told that there was a suicide or murder in a house I would not buy it. I also avoid houses next to the graveyard. 

Chances are these vendors just like to put their house on the market to test the market? 🤷‍♀️ Some people subconsciously don’t want to sell although they go through all the hustle of those who are selling. It might be better to find a different property.