Being gazumpted on dream property

[Pippinsdiary]

I know it’s legal to do it but I’m so sad

we offered just under asking price on our dream property that has been on the market over a year, the estate agent phoned yesterday to say another offer slightly higher has been accepted and it’s their final decision. I asked if we could offer higher and they said the vendors aren’t interested and just want to proceed and not waste any more time

am I wrong to think as our offer has been accepted we should have been given the chance to offer more before another has been accepted?!

I know this happens and I’m glad it’s happened now and not further down the line but I feel so angry

No it’s always the buyer, although it might be different in Scotland
That’s why the vendor’s behaviour was even worse than mere gazumping because OP had expended money on it

As far as I know no divorce unless they were putting an act on. When we asked their reason for selling at the viewing they just said they wanted a change and were wanting to move nearer their family, same as us really. I’ll be interested to see how long it stays on the market for

so stupid they are apparently desperate to sell but they are acting like this. Makes no sense. I know I have no right to know but I wish the EA would have given me a clue into what’s going on with them.

Very true!

The whole thing is very bizarre but honestly when you are buying and selling property you come into contact with the strangest of people that you most likely couldn’t ever interact with usually!

Is the estate agent their new buyer maybe? All seems rather strange.

You have made the right decision now! They are clearly not the sort of people you want to deal with and will just exploit any weakness they see, which is why I suggested the bond and not raising your offer. Housing buying and selling is stressful enough already without being constantly messed around. I think the sellers have made a very foolish mistake and will live to regret their decisions. In time, you will find something just as good and with sellers who don't mess you around and waste your money. Good luck.

Strange deletions on this thread. How did they break talk guidelines? unfortunately I missed the posts. Must assume it was a pbp if anyone can confirm?

I can fully understand why you don't want to offer over vendor's asking price OP ... but it's a shame you seem to blame the Estate Agents over this. As I said previously, they are paid to represent the vendors and if they have been neutral in the light of that then you can't really blame them. Can you? Why are you annoyed with the EAs? Remember you might need to be on their side whilst searching for other properties in their / your parents area.

Well my ghast is well and truly flabbered! They were desperate for a quick sale, threw you over, then came crawling back (you would assume happy with any offer) then have the gall to reject asking! Bonkers! What did you say to the EA? I think you’ve made the right decision, they have shown themselves as a total nightmare to deal with and it’s would probably be one issue after another.

I saw the posts but I don’t remember seeing anything wrong with them. Maybe they’ve been banned from comments on another thread?

I absolutely aren’t blaming the EA, it’s on the vendors 100% but I still feel like it’s been dealt with unprofessionally. Every question I ask I get the same reply of basically it’s nothing to do with us. No advice on how to proceed which I would expect consider I’m trying to buy a property through them. I ask how much the vendors are looking for and they say they didn’t ask. Just seems a shit show

I have to agree it sounds unprofessional from the Estate Agent, surely they want to sell the property so they would benefit from trying to advise you. However no doubt the vendors are being difficult with them too

Wow, just wow. They must be having a slight to think you’d agree to more now. They’re messers.

OP have you considered renting? Rent out your current house and rent a new one near your parents? You say they’re elderly and their health is declining - are you sure your move is long term? Would you want to live their if they weren’t there?

I would rent and in the meantime put your bonds in an investment where they’re making money for you. Then, when the time comes, you’re free to buy where you want with no strings and have saved SDLT and other moving fees.

Wow the sellers are morons, please update in a years time and their house is still on the market!

@BooomShakeTheRoom
This is very good advice!

The EA clearly overvalued the property and have made a rod for their own back.

it absolutely is their job to tell the sellers they aren’t being realistic with their stance and to stop putting it on the buyers to indulge them.

As you’re walking away, maybe post a link to the property? It’ll get lots of Rightmove clicks, and still no sale 🤣

I absolutely love this idea! I wish you would op 😂. At the same time, of couse, I'm sorry it didn't work out for you.

I've just read this. I would have have offered them £30k less for messing me around. It was already gone in your head so nothing to lose, and might have made them think twice next time about doing the dirty.