To pull out of buying this flat

[WithKumdud]

My offer was accepted 4 months ago, but they've been slow even though they know I need to move for work by Feb.

Still lots of outstanding questions and they have refused to buy an indeminity policy for where they have breached the lease with their alterations.

I feel like they are running down the clock so I just press ahead, but I'm not going to spend 450k on something unless all the boxes are ticked.

Its reaching that point where I will either have to exchange or just start looking to rent.

Would you just pull out and not feel guilty?

Gosh OP, I don’t know about you but I wouldn’t of even thought about the potential fire risk with the removal of the kitchen wall! Seems obvious enough now someone has suggested it but it wouldn’t of even entered my head. It seems really dodgy your Solicitor hadn’t said about this?

The fire risk would be enough alone to make me walk away but all the other issues just makes it sound like an awful investment.

I was once a first time seller as a single lady and I would never have used that as an excuse to mess anyone round. I did what my solicitor advised and things went smoothly.
Sounds like they have one excuse after the other. You are better off out of this.

I think you've dodged a bullet.
Good luck with the flat hunting.

Thanks so much!

I didn't sleep last night and it just clicked it wasn't for me what am I doing.

I told a few friends and family members and they all thought it was for the best, and didn't say as they didn't want to sway me.

The agent tried to call 3 times yesterday, but left no email.

Bit worried that the ideal property might come up with the same agent, but I did have good reason to pull out of this one (well over 10 of them that all together was a defo deal breaker) 1 or 2 I could deal with, not 10+!

Anyway should be less stressful looking for somewhere to rent, if I hate it then its only 6 months so doesnt matter, I wouldn't even get unpacked by then!

Bit worried that the ideal property might come up with the same agent
If it does, they won't care, & neither should you.
You have ample reason to pull out of this sale & they are in a position to know that better than most.
If you find a desirable property with them again, they'll be as keen to take your money as anyone else's!

Glad your mind is more at rest now & best wishes :)

I would forget about renting for a while why you flat search. Think about alternative solutions, eg renting a room as a lodger, temporary
flatshare etc not wonderful as long term prospects but you can manage for a while. Six months is no time at all, put stuff in store or be extra nice to a friend with a dry attic or shed.

Spring is just around the corner where people start putting property on the market, you will be in a very strong position to move quickly and pounce on your perfect flat.

Bit worried that the ideal property might come up with the same agent

Dont' feel bad OP you gave them fair warning. You said you wanted to move by Dec they messed you about until Jan and then you said I need answers by X day or I'm walking away and they didn't seem to take you seriously so I don't think this is your fault at all. If you do happen to deal with this EA in future then maybe that time around they will take your more seriously and communicate that to the future seller.

I think you made the right decision today. Good luck in your rental search and in starting your new job.

ah thanks so much, it feels weird looking for a rental when I was close to buying. But that's life!

My main concern now is the money from my current property will be landing in my bank account. worrying to have so much money and no home!

I had a similar situation but I was the seller... increasingly ludicrous demands from buyers which took the biscuit at a demand for 35k off with no explanation or evidence of ie problems with flat! I told then if we didn't exchange by the end of the week, the property would go back on the market and I would never sell it to them
Guess what? We exchanged that Thursday definitely play hardball because what have you got to lose?

Oh just saw your update. Doh! Sounds like the right call

Don't ignore the estate agent... It looks childish. They'll be wary next time you put in an offer. Call him or her and be firm with your reason. You made the right choice!

Thanks that's re-assuring!

All the issues are valid and although I like the property, I don't love it so there was no chance I was continuing while there was so many issues. I'm suprised they didn't work more to try to resolve them

Don't just look for rentals though.

You will need one in the short term but keep looking to buy too as you never know you might find one tomorrow that isn't in a chain and really quick to get into.

Have you looked into how much a long term room in a hotel would be?
If you only need a few months it might be cheaper than renting a whole flat as some places will do a special deal for long term guests.

My main concern now is the money from my current property will be landing in my bank account. worrying to have so much money and no home!

If it's more than £85k, don't forget to spread it across a few banks so each one has under the £85k limit for the FSCS Compensation Scheme.

Stick some in premium bonds, I did when waiting to purchase and I kept winning £75 a month!