Can anyone shed light on this situation.

twopenny

That's clearer Catpuss.

But I still agree with Posidon, this is stress she doesn't want. On the other hand if she really loves it and has the money, at that age it's important to have what you want while you can.

I have 2 neighbours in their 90s, sharp as a tack and could cope. With your support she can do it.

But base it on if they really want that place. Things might be better than expected. Could be worse. But no one knows.

Catpuss66

https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/comment/82143280#Comment_82143280

thanks for reply she has always lived in period properties pre Victorian rectory just sold her Edwardian house she knows the hassle, think she needs to keep her brain busy so then she doesn’t have to think about losing her husband. Tbf I havn’t seen anything close that she would like, we will see tomorrow what’s going on. At the moment she is best friends with AI😂

Catpuss66

https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/comment/82143296#Comment_82143296

yes she really wants it, just the stress of sellers saying one thing & doing another it feels untrustworthy. I remember my house 30 yrs ago full of their moms processions obviously I wanted it all gone, they were not happy you know what did took every pendant & light switch & left live wires hanging out the wall. All because they had to move their moms belongs.

Catpuss66

https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/comment/82143280#Comment_82143280

thanks for the reply. It is a ground floor flat with basement cellar , think there is some removal of plaster then replaster & the wood rot is on the stairs going back down to cellar. The last thing she wants is to move her furniture into it before damp free. Think there has been a damp proof done but these are areas that need updating & obviously the quarry tiles need a barrier on top . She 82 so doesn’t want to be living in cold damp flat.
I am not making her, this is her decision it’s her money. She has even recently looked at large flats within large house similar sort set up, but things like 2nd bedroom with no windows. I probably understand we have similar taste. Think she feels she can make it look lovely, & feels safe there as a woman on her own that is really important, plus she has 2 elderly dogs which are allowed. We will see what is going on this morning sure she has been on the phone from 9am, will update.

HouseHuntingAmy

From a buyer's side of the fence, the bit that would bother me most is the previous damp survey they sat on. If they knew and didn't say, what else are they not mentioning? The quiet relisting with a different agent reads like them keeping their options open in case your relative wobbles, which is fair enough until exchange, but it cuts both ways - she's just as free to keep looking. If it were my nan, I'd want everything in writing through the solicitor from here on, including what they knew about the damp and when. If the numbers still work at the reduced price and she loves the flat, fine, but she shouldn't let anyone rush her. She sounds genuinly lovely, hope she gets there.

Catpuss66

https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/comment/82143613#Comment_82143613

thanks for your reply. I expect as a family we are used to period properties, she is in a rented new build at the moment not that impressed. Think coming from a large house to much smaller house takes time.
This is the thing they withheld the previous damp survey which a previous buyer had in February & pulled out. Solicitors are on the case asked them to speak to the lead management spokesperson about the roof ( this happens to be the EA they quietly put it back on with bit unethical their main EA is aware now) she is a woman of her own mind says she is doing it to occupy her time & she enjoys it, can’t argue with that.

poseidon1

https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/comment/82143645#Comment_82143645

I can understand your mother's contempt for new builds.

I have only ever lived in period properties of one description or other from childhood. The present conversion flat I live in required internal refurbishment after acquistion, monies expended on buying the freehold and then later a further large lump of money for external refurbishments including new roof, all this whilst still working.

However, with the now exorbitant cost of building works ( labour and materials), and being retired at 68 there is no way on earth I would take on this kind of project again. My next purchase ( hopefully Scotland ) will involve nothing more than some light redecoration ( if that).

You should thing about what if your mother's health begins to fail midway through this project and you have to step in to get it finished and habitable. Your mother might like a project, but would you relish be potentially lumbered with one?

Catpuss66

https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/comment/82143691#Comment_82143691

if that happens think it would be fine, I am poorly just about to start dialysis she puts me under pressure about my own house. I just don’t feel up to major changes. Got new fridge in the middle of the kitchen as old fridge & freezer hard wired, got an infection at the moment so feeling bit run down. The moving out of her last house was really hard work did have a cleaner to help otherwise not sure how we would have coped. Sister didn’t help so noc at the moment. Loads drama.

poseidon1

https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/comment/82143761#Comment_82143761

What you have now shared does not sound at all conducive for your own state of health, if this property project happens and you become expected to make a significant contribution by way of your time and physical labour.

Your feeling it will all be fine, are you being honest about what you can realistically contribute if and when the hard work commences?

Catpuss66

https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/comment/82143808#Comment_82143808

not expecting to do much other than make tea & pickup takeaway, she can pay someone, just ask for my opinion. They still won’t handover info regarding the roof they said they have quotes but won’t divulge what the quotes are other to say between £5k - £10k divided between 5 then she says she would be happy with that. The estate agents say the listing of the house is a glitch in their website, have say I did wonder as we have the old photos of the house from when they bought it 3 yrs ago. Searches actioned will see how this goes.