Asking to pay for holiday home when she said it would be free

[Momhope15]

Am I being unreasonable?
My friend has been telling that she wants to sell her holiday home in Italy to which I said I knew a couple looking for a vacation home abroad.
She told me that they could go visit the 2 bed apartment and stay for free for a couple days maximum a week as the flat was empty anyway due to it being winter.
I reverted that same information to the couple to which now they say they wish to stay 2 weeks to know the area a little bit better and also they are travelling all the way from UK to Italy. I know 2 weeks was never the agreement and I was not expecting them to stay there for free so I asked my friend to give me rate.
She first quoted me 450 euros.. a week! Of course I looked surprised and she eventually said no less than 200 euros per week. That's still 400 euros. I completely do understand that she has costs like electricity, cleaning etc but I thought the rate was a bit too high and not expected. I felt as if she is now renting as a "business" and is deviating from the original agreement. I am embarrassed to be in the middle as I feel really bad to tell the couple that the visit will cost them 400 euros at least and I don't wish to tell my other friend that they thought it would be less .....

Can you put them in touch with each other and step away from the whole thing?

Both sides have changed their minds on the original plan and you don't really need to be involved so I'd leave them to it.

Can you step out of your role as middle person and just ask your friend to deal directly with the couple? It all sounds a bit messy.

If she originally said 2 days maximum, then it doesn't seem unreasonable to charge more for a full week, or a fortnight.

X-post with Anne.

So your friend originally said 2 days free, now it's 2 weeks and you think 400 euros is too much? That's cheap.

400 for two weeks?? Isn't that a bargain

Both sides have changed their minds on the original plan and you don't really need to be involved so I'd leave them to it.

^Great advice. I would definitely recommend you do this.

Sorry for the misunderstanding she said free for a week maximum.

I think that is steep. I live in a Med resort. Villa 'turnarounds' cost 50e for a 3 bed villa round here an an average electric bill with aircon or heating would be 100e a week max with heavy usage.

They must see that they seem like chances who just want a free holiday surely.

Is 400 euros for 2 weeks in a villa expensive?

Just put them in touch with eacher other and step away.

Oh, I see, I misread your post, apologies, OP.

They must see that they seem like chances who just want a free holiday surely.

I agree.

She said a week max, then 450 euros per week but now 400 euros for the whole 2 weeks... effectively she is giving them one free week and charging for the second week. That doesn't sound unreasonable AT ALL! Especially as the couple may not even buy the property.

I would suggest you step out though, if this all.goes tits up you don't want to be caught in the cross fire

Are they going over to view it to buy it? If so I think the first week should be free as per agreement then €200 for the second week would be fine.

However, step away, give them each others details and keep out

She could deduct the cost of their stay from the sale price if they go ahead and buy it.

the couple are interested in buying the flat she is selling. The owner said they could go there for free for a week maximum to see it. She now wants to charge them for the duration for Their visit.
I am just embarrassed to be in the middle as as rightly said both parties have now changed their original agreement. However the owner did say free for a week and now is charging 400 for 2 weeks ...

They do also sound like they're trying to get a free holiday out of this!

why wouldnt she just charge for the second week??

How much is her going rate per week generally?

Ask one side if you can pass on their number to the other and then step back, If they disagree on terms it's between them. If it doesn't work out don't listen to one give out about the other. I assume they don't know one another already so it's no big deal if they are miffed at one another. Lesson learnt - don't involve yourself in other peoples dealings in future.

However the owner did say free for a week and now is charging 400 for 2 weeks ...

And if the usual rate is 450 euros a week then 400 for two is less than half price.

Maybe they could pay the requested amount and if they do go ahead and buy it, the amount could be deducted?

£480 a week for a crappy caravan in Littlehampton last year.

Agree with the others. You friends have changed their requirement so step out of it and let them deal with each other.

It is a decent deal, from 2 days to 2 weeks is a big difference, they may be chancers, trying to get the extra 12 days.
Swap the phone numbers between and let them sort it, it is a decent price and request for a 2 week holiday. My DSIS paid 900 for a week in an apartment in Italy.