What are my legal rights as a purchaser between exchange and completion regarding vendor access

saajan_12

Cuticuraser said:

So what happens if they damage the property between now and completion? I have building insurance but what about small things like damage to the walls and floors while they move out the heavy items?

The property should be left in the same condition as when I viewed it, correct?

No, it should be in the same condition as when you exchanged.

There may have been minor (or major!) things between viewing and exchange, which you'd have no recourse for. 

Between exchange and completion, the vendor is allowed to use the property as their own, including live there, move things in and out etc, which may naturally involve some wear and minor scuffs - again no recourse. 

What they can't do is cause significant damage, whether wilfully or negligently. If they do, then that you'd sue them for the costs to remediate. You'd need to have proof of the expected condition through ( eg pictures immediately before exchange). 

Bookworm105

Cuticuraser said:

SiliconChip said:

I have to assume you're a first time buyer, as anybody who has previously bought a property to live in will be well aware that in most circumstances the seller moves out then the buyer moves in later the same day. The scenario of a buyer sitting outside their new home with their removal van while the seller frantically finishes packing and getting their belongings loaded onto their removal van is one that many people will have come up against. 

Buying a house, particularly the first one, is a stressful time but really you need to chill out and let the selling and buying process run it's course. It'll all be fine in the end.

I should add that the property has not been lived in for the past 2 years. both parties are chain free and the property is a probate (deceased parents and children inhertied it)

does not alter the fact you appear confused over the difference between exchange and completion

exchange is the act of handing over signed bits of paper. It does not alter who is the legal owner nor who has right of access (still the owner's)
From the purchaser's perspective the main thing that exchange does is exposes them to the risk of being made to go through with the contract on the agreed competition date even if the house has burned down between exchange and completion = hence the wise always take house insurance from exchange, but does not mean you own it yet.

completion is the act of parting with the money and therefore completing your contractual obligation. In return the ownership transfers from them to you and agrees to deliver up a "vacant" property  cleared of everything that was not agreed was going to be left behind.

you do not have right of entry until completion nor is the ongoing existence of "stuff" in the property any of your concern at this point.
vendor can do what they want between exchange and completion in terms of access or leaving stuff in situ