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Is this suspicious - No washing machine

We viewed a property yesterday and seems lovely around, however after chatting with the owner and thinking about it, something appeared a bit suspicious.

The sellers stated that their washing machine broke and that they are taking their clothes around a families place to do it, and that they won't bother getting a new washing machine until they move. Considering it is usually anyway from 2-6 months before they move, surely you would just get one instantly?

Also the kitchen leads into a lean-to conservatory type room (Not outside), so unsure whether it's an issue with the pipes, which they are unwilling to say.

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Comments

  • FreeBear
    FreeBear Posts: 18,562 Forumite
    Tenth Anniversary 10,000 Posts Name Dropper Photogenic

    Not a huge red flag - No real point in buying a new washing machine if you are moving to a new place shortly and can get clothes washed elsewhere in the meantime.

    Just ask if they are planning on taking the old one with them or disposing of it before exchange (and get it in writing).

    Any language construct that forces such insanity in this case should be abandoned without regrets. –
    Erik Aronesty, 2014

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  • TroubledTarts
    TroubledTarts Posts: 760 Forumite
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    edited 17 May at 10:53PM

    You should always have a contingency fund when buying a property anyway, far worse things will make themselves known once you have moved in.

  • WIAWSNB
    WIAWSNB Posts: 3,307 Forumite
    1,000 Posts First Anniversary Name Dropper

    Ask, and have witnessed, whether the plumbing is fine. If it turns out to be faulty in a way that would have been the case at the time of asking, then sue.

    Of course, it won't come to this. Their reasoning is perfectly valid; moving a WM, as I've just found out, is a major pita... :-(

  • twopenny
    twopenny Posts: 8,988 Forumite
    Part of the Furniture 1,000 Posts Name Dropper Photogenic

    I managed to kill my washing machine before I moved by dropping the microwave on it. Trying to clean the utility shelves.

    I took my washing round to a kind friend or hand washed until I moved and bought a new machine.

    If they were to buy new now it might not fit their new place, kitchen and would have to dispose of and buy again.

    Makes sense to wait if you have someone willing to do it.

    I can rise and shine - just not at the same time!

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  • bobster2
    bobster2 Posts: 1,125 Forumite
    Seventh Anniversary 1,000 Posts Photogenic Name Dropper

    Washing machines are not difficult to fit. They can easily go anywhere close to an existing sink (with cold supply and a drain) and a power socket, When viewing could you not see an obvious spot where one used to be?

    If it's a small house - with space limitations - they may be avoiding getting one to make things appear more spacious while selling.

  • GrubbyGirl_2
    GrubbyGirl_2 Posts: 1,244 Forumite
    Part of the Furniture 1,000 Posts Photogenic Name Dropper

    If you're concerned then simply ask your solicitor to ask the questions you want answered when (s)he submits their enquiries

  • Tabieth
    Tabieth Posts: 525 Forumite
    500 Posts First Anniversary Name Dropper Photogenic

    Not at all suspicious.

  • Sea_Shell
    Sea_Shell Posts: 10,328 Forumite
    Part of the Furniture 10,000 Posts Photogenic Name Dropper

    The only time I would be suspicious is if there isn't actually a space (hole) where a washing machine would go.

    This might be in the kitchen, utility, cloakroom or garage….but make sure there is somewhere!! 😉

    How's it going, AKA, Nutwatch? - 12 month spends to date = 3.24% of current retirement "pot" (as at end December 2025)
  • silvercar
    silvercar Posts: 51,053 Ambassador
    Part of the Furniture 10,000 Posts Academoney Grad Name Dropper

    I think it’s reasonable. Their new home may come with an integrated washing machine, they may not know if they will need to buy an integrated washing machine or a stand alone. You are over thinking this. If anything I’d be grateful for their honesty, they could have just said a new one is on order.

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