Is seller being fishy / stringing me along?

housebuyer143

I imagine he was planning to sell before the capital gains tax reduction and that's probably the amount he loses now as he hasn't met it. It's not your fault and really, it's missed now so trying to screw you seems strange but it wouldn't surprise me if it's a tactic to get more money, and not replying is hopefully going to make you increase your offer. 

I wouldn't offer anymore and give an ultimatum after Easter, that you exchange within X amount of days (assuming you are ready) at the original price or you are going to look for a new property. You don't need to pull out, but you can assume then it's probably not happening. It still might, but at least the power is back with you. 

Skiddaw1

RHemmings said:

My entire family agreed ahead of time what response we would give should the sellers of our house decided to try and up the price last minute. It would have been a well known two word anglo-saxon phrase, used in legal correspondence by Private Eye in the past. Seriously, we talked about the possibility and agreed on the response. 

Snap! (Though thankfully, it didn't happen and the people we bought from, who still live locally, are lovely )

BlueVeranda

sheramber said:

Although you have spent money, can you trust him not to pull out of the sale  at the the last minute before exchange, or if he gets a tenant?

It might be worth reminding him that if he does get a tenant in it will derail the sale process as OP will need vacant possession, but the tenant can't be served a section 21 notice for the first few months of their tenancy, and it can take months after that for an eviction to go through.

IMO at this point he is far better off sticking with OP buying the flat if he really wants to sell it, but good luck convincing him of that if he is thinking of the £££ he is losing short term.