Unhelpful / obstructive vendor - why do people behave like this?

[H2OWoe]

The house we are trying to buy is the family home of the vendors. They have had the house since the 80s and raised their children there. So I understand they have an emotional tie to the property. However, they moved out of it in 2007 and it’s been tenanted since then.

In March this year the tenants moved out and the house has been empty and on the market.

We are pushing towards Exchange very soon and Completion by end Oct.

At the time of offering, we asked that a Gas Safe plumber to carry out a pre-purchase inspection and the function test the central heating and hot water – since the house has been unoccupied since March, I’m concerned it might have some undiagnosed issues.

The vendors agreed for both plumbing and electrical inspections to be done, but when I tried to book them, they have refused access.

We still want the house even if there are problems with these systems (it needs a LOT of refurb) and as the house has some unique points which make it very desirable. I’m a bit gobsmacked that these people are behaving in such an obstructive and unhelpful manner.

It’s not just fear of inspections and text either – we meekly asked if our builder to go in for one minute to measure the width of the bathroom (it is not shown on the floorplan) and they have refused that as well.

What makes people behave like this when they are selling? Are they regretting the sale and trying to put us off? Are they clinging to the house mentally and don’t want anyone inside until after they give up the keys? Has anyone else experienced vendors doing this kind of thing?

I know there is nothing we can do about it - I just thought is was odd and unhelpful and wonder WHY people do this? Is it very common or are we awfully unlucky?

[specialsubject]

get on to the agent, tell them what is going on and that if they want their commission, they need to kick the vendor into action.

set a deadline.

[H2OWoe]

Thanks for replies! We certainly didn't request directly to vendors. Request has been made through the liaison person at the r/e agents (who is fantastic, and v professional). Also our solic has sent a firm letter to their solic. Still refusing.

Just to add woe to the situation, we realised on the weekend that they have put incorrect info on the Property Information Form - the house has quite clearly had a structural wall knocked through and a bathroom added but they insist it's never had anything done! So there are no building reg certs or anything in the file for it. Grrrr.

I am agitating through the agent and our solic. We are supposed to be exchanging tomorrow but I don't think there's a snowball's hope in hell of that happening now.

Oh well. We aren't the only ones. Why do people behave like this, though? It's like they don't really want to sell the house!!

[Alwayscheerful]

We experienced similar problems, our vendors were divorcing and tbH I don't think they really wanted to sell.

It is common for lenders to request an electrical report, heating report and damp and timber report (surveyors trying to cover their backs) but if your vendors have not moved for some time they will not be aware of this, they will think it is you being pedantic. I have seen hundreds of homebuyers reports asking for these reports. Ask the estate agent to explain this to your vendors.

Yes they are clinging to the house emotionally or have something to hide or both.

It is a bit of a dangerous strategy but you could say you need the reports if you are to pay the price agreed, try explaining to the agent that you might need a reduction if the boiler does not work, I suspect they will quickly arrange the reports for you.