What are estate agents legally obliged to tell us?

[MoggyMummy]

Hello

Can anybody help me. We went to an estate agent to enquire about a house we were interested in buying. It turned out that an offer has already been made on that property so we couldn't view it. I asked the agent what the offer was and he told me. I was quite surprised that he told me so freely. I managed to find out later a home that agents are legally obliged to tell an enquirer the offer price.

This got me thinking - what else are they legally obliged to tell us? I tried to google for information - but it is a bit of a minefield.

Does anybody know Thanks

Hi, we are in the process of selling a house through multi agency ans we insisted that after the 4th sale fell through that viewing continued right up til the point of exchange. So, if the offer has been made, and you know what the offer is (and perhaps be in a position to beat it) you should be able to demand a viewing...

The EA's should be able to tell you at what stage the sale is at, so you may be able to jump in quick with a better offer if you really like the house...

Hope this helps and good luck!

MM - Are you in England? I'm pretty sure in Scotland they are not supposed to tell you the offer! That would make it too easy!!!

FangAche - Yes we are in England. I have only ever bought a house in canada whilst sat in France - it was so easy over there. I never realised how complex the system is here and how long it can take. I love you name btw: I always read it as if it was written in French

Jen1209 - isn't that called gazumping?

bump - anyone?

You can demand a viewing if you like but ultimately it is up to the sellers and not the estate agents as to whether they wish to continue with viewings. If they don't want you in their house, it doesn't matter what the estate agent thinks! Given that so many sales fall through, it would seem that most sellers would want to cntinue with viewings even after receiving an offer, at least until surveys etc have started. However, if an offer has been accepted subject to, e.g., the house not being marketed any further, then they should not accept viewings.