If your buyers have come back with unreasonable demands following a survey...

[mardarse]

.... how have you found a way through? The estate agent has sent me a copy of the survey report on the house we are selling, nothing mentioned about immediate roof replacement just some cracked tiles and some work needed on chimney, purchaser sent out 2 builders who both said roof was in good working order for age of house and it did not need a new roof. Buyer has come back to ask for money off towards a new roof totalling almost £4000. We have offerered to do the roof and chimney repairs but I suspect they may be wanting more. I don't want to lose this sale, it's a hideous process which I have no desire to repeat but there comes a point when you have to say no - surely? We don't have to wiggle room to knock off £4k or even £2k but I want to be reasonable. Is offering to do the immediate repair reasonable?

I just - aaargghhh, I hate it. I want to hibernate away until it's all done.

Yes, your offer is reasonable. There is nothing to warrant demanding a new roof. They have spent this much on surveys, they won't want to back out now either so don't worry too much yet. But do not give in to £4k reduction demand

Tell them the offer you accepted reflects any work needed doing already.

Just say No. Let them stew.

I think we're going to try to stand firm. Not because I want to be awkward or greedy but I think we are being fair. What is it about house buying / selling that brings out the worst in people. Thanks everyone.

Because most people there is something wonderful about being able to say 'and I drove a really hard bargain and knocked £5k off the asking price'.

But then you see if you do that, the nice people you're buying from will not be nice and kind to you any more and won't clean the house very well or be helpful and kind.

Karma's a bitch