Would it be too cheeky to ask the owners of the house we're buying..

[Millarkie]

how much their bills are for power, water etc?

The house is a different size and uses oil and calor gas rather than the mains gas we are used to and I'm trying to sort out our budget for living expenses after the move.
I don't want them to think that we'll pull out of the sale if the bills are expensive, but I would really like to have some guide figures.

And if it's not too cheeky, should I ring them myself or put it as a request via the solicitor?

Ta.

Not cheeky at all, very sensible!
I'd get your estate agent to give them a call and ask on your behalf.
Or your solicitor if they'll do it for free!

I think that's quite normal - we were shown utility bills without even having asked.

Message withdrawn

You can get your solicitor to enquire - we had to provide water statements etc.

Okey Dokey - I shall make the request. Thanks. I hadn't ever heard of anyone asking for it so I was a bit nervous.

Good idea. We were asked several times by prospective buyers about our utility bills, etc.

Oil is v.v. expensive. Our last tank cost £340. It was less than £100 when we moved here 8 yrs ago, and there are no regulators watching the price. But worth it for the rural lifestyle IMO!

Yes, nearlythree, I'd heard oil was expensive, but completely no idea how much they use..but no mains gas so no other choice really. They also have a wood burning stove in one room, and an open fire (coal/smokeless fuel type) in another, and an 'economy 7' aga, so I guess this is to avoid using too much oil.
It's a world away from where we live now, but fingers crossed, it should be worth it..

Dh has plans to line the roof with wind turbines and solar panels
And I've already told friends and family who want to come and stay that they should pack jumpers and flannelette pajamas.