About to complete our sale now buyer has roof concerns

Tinkyfluff

Our dream home came available so we decided to go for it. We love our home and have looked after it as we didn’t think we would ever move. We are pack and are ready to go as we were aiming for a date a few weeks back. Our selling then requested a roofer that has some connections to her to assess the roof. When the roofer arrived he mentioned “money off the price” in conversation before he had even looked at the roof? We had new skylights about 6 months ago so had the roof assessed at the same time (before we looked at selling) and they replaced a few tiles but all was well. Now the buyer roofer has highlighted around 12 issues and will recommend to the buyer that they get a new roof? I was shocked! We are desperate to complete as don’t want to loose our dream home? What should we do?

propertyrental

It's a con. Though there's a risk of losing the sale I'd call their bluff and say no to a reduction in price and set a deadline for Exchange.

Then re-advertise.

Wyndham

I think you need more information. What are the 12 issues? How big are they? Why is the roofer recommending a new roof rather than repair?

Does your buyer need a mortgage? And did they get a survey? If the mortgage is in place without reference to the roof then that puts you in a strong position. However, if their mortgage lender wanted the roof to be assessed before they made their lending decision then that's quite different.

I think you are implying that as the roofer is a 'friend' of the buyer, then they may not be legitimate. If they are looking for money off, a full report would be a reasonable request, and may help you to find out more about their business.

Mark_d

I think it's clear to all of us that this is a con.  It's not unusual for buyers to drop their offer in the run-up to exchange.

Don't allow this buyer to screw you.  Refuse to reduce the price.  If they pull out then just do the best you can and re-market your property.

If you do miss out on your dream home then maybe it wasn't to be.  You're still in a home that you love.

Tinkyfluff

So the roofer stated that it required some work to the lead (had cracked in one place and wasn’t long enough in others), felting (needed replacing in one area) and some cementing. Plus 1 cracked tile. 

I know there was a mortgage in Principle but the final part were are waiting for was the mortgage offer. The roofer stated he would suggest a new roof due to the fact that once you have paid for the scaffolding and repairs that it would be advised to have a new roof. I have no idea how much it will cost as we haven’t had a quote. It’s a two bed terrace. 

LightFlare

Tinkyfluff said:

So the roofer stated that it required some work to the lead (had cracked in one place and wasn’t long enough in others), felting (needed replacing in one area) and some cementing. Plus 1 cracked tile. 

I know there was a mortgage in Principle but the final part were are waiting for was the mortgage offer. The roofer stated he would suggest a new roof due to the fact that once you have paid for the scaffolding and repairs that it would be advised to have a new roof. I have no idea how much it will cost as we haven’t had a quote. It’s a two bed terrace. 

 Certainly nothing close to needing a new roof.

Why not get a roofer of YOUR choice to come have a look

BonaDea

Those issues are minor and I think up to the buyer to accept and - if they think it necessary - deal with.  If there's a case to be made for doing more extensive prophylactic work on the roof just to take advantage of the fact the scaffolding is up, then that's a case the roofer needs to make to the buyer, not to you.

NameUnavailable

Respond to your buyer (who hasn't actually asked you yet for any reduction?) to say that you need them to proceed asap or you are putting the house back on the market by X date as you can't risk losing your purchase. See what they say then.

saajan_12

Were there any symptoms of roof issues, or just one of the things they wanted to check regardless? If there was a leak or visible caving etc then I can understand, but if not then why are they concerned there are immediate issues versus just normal maintenance? 
There's a good chnace the roofer is looking for business rather than surveying the true condition.

As to next steps, perhaps suggest the buyer get a second, independent opinion to give them comfort in proceeding at the agreed price (or perhaps reducing for minor fixes if appropriate). If they are expecting a new roof then that's a non starter and you're ready to relist.