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AIBU?

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AIBU to think this intimidating house buying letter should be reported to police?

484 replies

Blopi · 14/06/2026 15:17

Friend’s elderly neighbours came back from holiday to find a letter delivered by person. It has made them upset and frightened.

It was addressed to them personally Mr and Mrs (surname)
They said that their home is too big for the couple and would be suitable for a 5 bedroom HMO. Willing to pay £Xk for it (properties have been selling for 10-15% more) and will visit them on Thursday at 11am to discuss things. Signed by Mr (common surname). No phone number or email address.

Her neighbours have zero intention of moving home as they have lived there for 58 years. They are upset on how they are targeted and wondering how did they get their names?

In the past I had these letters which have been sent to others down the estate. Though not intimidating like this letter, nor personalised.

Unfortunately my friend is working on Thursday. She would have loved to have seen if the person turned up and told

Should my friend phone the police on the non emergency line about this? As maybe something else dodgy going on

OP posts:
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6
LlynTegid · 14/06/2026 15:22

I think the police should be contacted.

Dunnocantthinkofone · 14/06/2026 15:21

Names is easy surely? Electoral roll

PragmaticIsh · 14/06/2026 15:21

The owners would be wise to sign up to the Land Registry Alert Service, so they can be certain nobody is doing anything untoward with their property. Everyone should do this really!

https://www.gov.uk/guidance/property-alert

Property Alert

Sign up to HM Land Registry's free Property Alert service to help protect your property from fraud.

https://www.gov.uk/guidance/property-alert

MissConductUS · 14/06/2026 15:21

Tiggermad · 14/06/2026 15:19

Same.

Agreed. They probably sent out lots of letters like this. If this person shows up, they can simply refuse to speak to him.

Striveforcompetence · 14/06/2026 15:21

Seeing as the couple have gone out and told their neighbour (your friend) about this and have said that they are worried then yes, I would report it to get them some support. And I’d definitely have someone there on Thursday to help them. If the HMO developer knows they are elderly, they could be planning to be very pushy. How presumptive to just announce that they will turn up to discuss it as if it’s a done deal.

Can your friend tell the police, and help the couple to have a friend or neighbour be available on Thursday?

DewDropsAndCobWebs · 14/06/2026 15:20

No, you tell them to but the letter in recycling where it belongs, and encourage them to put it out of their mind.
Just because some dillybar announced there coming to see you /want to buy your house/jealous of the situation doesn't mean you have to entertain it.
Its not a police summons, it's not a court summons, it's so chancer. Treat it as such.

Tiggermad · 14/06/2026 15:19

JHound · 14/06/2026 15:18

I would ignore it.

Same.

Orchid556 · 14/06/2026 15:18

Yes I would. They’re elderly, vulnerable and could be violently pressured into something they don’t want to do. I’d tell the police about the 11am visit as well, and I’d make sure they had someone else or multiple people during that time

JHound · 14/06/2026 15:18

I would ignore it.

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