Roof Leaking, seller wants 50/50. Help please!

FTBQs

We are currently in the process of purchasing a home, for which we have paid full asking price. We had a homebuyers report to ensure we had no nasty surprises. 

A number of ‘issues’ came back, but notably the extension roof showed signs  of a leak and high damp readings. This wasn’t visible when viewing the property. Anyway, the vendor has had roofers who have quoted £4K for the job and wants us to split it 50/50. The EA has said that as the price is agreed, it will have to go on account with the solicitor (I have no idea what this means). 

It is an old property, so we had put money aside to get things done that needs doing, but we certainly didn’t factor in a new flat roof. We have said that we’re willing to overlook the other issues, but we want the roof rectified. 

I guess I’m asking for advice here and whether you think it’s unreasonable for me to not go 50/50? If we do that, then it will have such a dent in the money we’ve saved for the other jobs. 

bobster2

Do you just mean you'll end up paying £2k less for the property and will need to arrange to get the roof fixed after you complete?

FTBQs

So, my understanding is she’s proposed to get the work done and wants us to pay an additional £2000 on completion, as we’ll be the ones benefiting from the roof. 

Apologies for not making that clear. 

cymruchris

FTBQs said:

So, my understanding is she’s proposed to get the work done and wants us to pay an additional £2000 on completion, as we’ll be the ones benefiting from the roof. 

Apologies for not making that clear. 

Well if you did the roof yourself at a later date it would likely cost £4k plus.

If it's an old flat roof it'll need some attention at some point whatever you do.

So £2k for a new roof now that'll last you a good while doesn't seem bad value.

The alternative is that they don't do anything - you buy it as agreed at the agreed price and bodge it up yourself later. If you take this approach, you might be able to negotiate a little off - say £1k - and that you'll take the risk going forwards to repair it.

It might be that long term a new roof is needed - but in the short term, some roof repair tape and some bitumen or something similar might seal it for a few years....

doodling

Hi,

I would agree a £2k price reduction and get the work done once you own the place.

Do you really trust someone who doesn't have to live with the end result to ensure that they get a good repair done.  The odds are that you will also forego any warranty for the work (as the only person who would be able to claim would be the ex owner).

Far better to deal with it yourself using tradespeople you trust.

FTBQs

doodling said:

Hi,

I would agree a £2k price reduction and get the work done once you own the place.

Do you really trust someone who doesn't have to live with the end result to ensure that they get a good repair done.  The odds are that you will also forego any warranty for the work (as the only person who would be able to claim would be the ex owner).

Far better to deal with it yourself using tradespeople you trust.

This is something that makes me nervous too. We already have our mortgage offer and I’ve been told because of that, the only way to do it, is to pay the difference to the Owner on completion via solicitors. Supposedly, they’re unable to reduce the price. 

user1977

FTBQs said:

doodling said:

Hi,

I would agree a £2k price reduction and get the work done once you own the place.

Do you really trust someone who doesn't have to live with the end result to ensure that they get a good repair done.  The odds are that you will also forego any warranty for the work (as the only person who would be able to claim would be the ex owner).

Far better to deal with it yourself using tradespeople you trust.

This is something that makes me nervous too. We already have our mortgage offer and I’ve been told because of that, the only way to do it, is to pay the difference to the Owner on completion via solicitors. Supposedly, they’re unable to reduce the price. 

The passive voice doesn't help us know who told you! Adjustments can be made within certain limits, and if not then you just tell the lender the price is reduced and they issue an amended offer.

km1500

i would agree with @doodling

get a 2k reduction, get the work done yourself at a later date

FTBQs

user1977 said:

FTBQs said:

doodling said:

Hi,

I would agree a £2k price reduction and get the work done once you own the place.

Do you really trust someone who doesn't have to live with the end result to ensure that they get a good repair done.  The odds are that you will also forego any warranty for the work (as the only person who would be able to claim would be the ex owner).

Far better to deal with it yourself using tradespeople you trust.

This is something that makes me nervous too. We already have our mortgage offer and I’ve been told because of that, the only way to do it, is to pay the difference to the Owner on completion via solicitors. Supposedly, they’re unable to reduce the price. 

The passive voice doesn't help us know who told you! Adjustments can be made within certain limits, and if not then you just tell the lender the price is reduced and they issue an amended offer.

The sales progression at the estate agents have told me this. They have also said that she’s unable to reduce the price and it has to be done this way. 

I’m a FTB and feel like they’re trying to take advantage in some way. 

kumarana

If you pay 2k and and the final stage if the seller pull out from the sale what happens to your money.
Get 2k deduction and do it your self

Hoenir

FTBQs said:

user1977 said:

FTBQs said:

doodling said:

Hi,

I would agree a £2k price reduction and get the work done once you own the place.

Do you really trust someone who doesn't have to live with the end result to ensure that they get a good repair done.  The odds are that you will also forego any warranty for the work (as the only person who would be able to claim would be the ex owner).

Far better to deal with it yourself using tradespeople you trust.

This is something that makes me nervous too. We already have our mortgage offer and I’ve been told because of that, the only way to do it, is to pay the difference to the Owner on completion via solicitors. Supposedly, they’re unable to reduce the price. 

The passive voice doesn't help us know who told you! Adjustments can be made within certain limits, and if not then you just tell the lender the price is reduced and they issue an amended offer.

The sales progression at the estate agents have told me this. They have also said that she’s unable to reduce the price and it has to be done this way. 

This is the vendors problem not yours. Play hardball. £4k off or you'll walk away.