Angry at house seller?

[perfectpotato]

Had our offer accepted, in the middle of the legal process and we’ve had got the fixtures and fittings form from the vendors.

They are taking with them all the column radiators (will be replacing with basic ones), all light fixtures - they had these beautiful sconce marble light fixtures that they will be taking and they are have a fixed mirror in the bathroom, has Bluetooth and different lighting and they are taking that too.

My partner doesn’t seem bothered but I’m really upset, Aibu?

You're buying their house not their fixtures and fittings.

It's totally normal that they want to take these things. YABU.

You can always buy the same things to put in the house.

Offer extra for them to leave them. Or pull out

They've got nice things they want to keep. Unless they suggested that they might be leaving them then yes, you are being unreasonable.

Why would you be angry at someone taking items that they own?!

Can’t you instead ask for the make-good budget that you’ll then top up with your own preferred fixtures? Seems wasteful they’ll buy the cheapest option for you to then get rid of …

I think it's weird. The column radiators, sconces, and light up bathroom mirror (not bluetooth though!) were all left when I bought my house, and it never occurred to me they wouldn't be.

It isn't normal to take radiators is it? I wouldn't be happy with that. It would make me reconsider.

The radiators seem a bit churlish - and also quite a faff to remove and replace - make sure the replacements actually work properly and don't leak or anything. How careful are they going to be with that refit? I wonder if they might rethink that one.

Wall lights and mirror are probably fair game.

Did you overpay for the house because they indicated that these would be included? If not then I don’t know why you’d think they’d be leaving them behind or are annoyed that they’re not.

Buy them yourself if you like them.

I thought they had to leave fixtures and fittings. What does your solicitor say? I think you could justifiably say they’re a fitting and should be left.

edited. Just looked it up, fixtures should be heft. See thus article from Haart estate agent.

https://www.haart.co.uk/selling/sales-advice/what-are-fixtures-and-fittings-and-why-are-they-important/

Them taking light fittings I understand, but the radiators are odd.

Did you agree a price based on the radiators you saw there? Or did it say in the details they'd be changing them?

If the radiators are to be changed will they make good the walls/flooring if the replacement has a different wall/foot print from the column ones?

I don't think you can stop them taking them, but you don't have to be worse off as a result.

I'd say it's irritating rather than anger inducing. The light fittings would annoy me because that's the sort of thing you need as soon as you move in, but presumably you have time to buy some and bring them with you, or at least get a few lamps as back up. They do own these things though so of course they can take them.

Because they are fixtures - who takes radiators with them?

Yes, plus if the replacements aren't exactly the same size that will be an issue in terms of paintwork.

What does your contract say? Does it include fixtures and fittings?
If not then there’s nothing you can do.

I think you're right to feel upset - uneasy maybe - especially the radiators, that's not normal even though they are upgraded column ones. The sconce light fittings may leave unsightly gaps if they are tiled around. I think I would have a piece of mirror cut to the size of the owners' one in the bathroom as that is a more acceptable item to take. I would ask a price for them leaving these items but be prepared for it to be high since they haven't already filled in that column. If you like the decor and feel you have paid a premium, they need to confirm that new radiators will be exactly the same size. It just leaves a sour taste really.

I'd expect the advert to say if they were taking things that have to be unplumbed etc. I've regularly seen listings with things like the range cooker isn't staying. Radiators is taking the piss and I'd pull out because more shit like this will follow.

Never heard of people taking radiators to be fair

No this doesn’t sit right.

These responses are so weird. Definitely not normal to take radiators and your offer was made based on them being included I assume. I would be reducing my offer by the amount it would cost to replace with like for like plus fitting. Light fittings I think are fair game though I can see why it’s disappointing - if you love them you can ask where they were from maybe.

Theres a legal difference between fixtures (things like radiators, kitchen cabinets etc) and fittings (fridge freezer, curtains etc).

Speak to your solicitor

Well you obviously like them enough that you’re angry they won’t be included, so it’s not a great leap to assume they like them enough to keep them.

If the radiators and lighting appeared in the estate agent’s listing of the house, then my understanding is they have to stay (as they were part of what is offered for sale).

It is so unusual to take radiators that you could possibly argue that, if they were in the photos and weren’t specifically excluded in the particulars, you expected them to stay.

Mirror - fair game.

I don't understand people here sometimes. No, it's not normal to take radiators and light fittings. Maybe a mirror, but that's stingy. Is this going to mean some redecoration and tiles with holes in? I'd be pissed off too.