Second viewing. Etiquette on asking vendor if he'd leave any of his furniture behind?

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Going for a second viewing soon of a property we will make an offer on. The vendor will show us round again. Is it rude to ask when we are there if he will include anything in the sale, or is this done at negotiation stage via agent? Or not at all? Stuff like chest of drawers, piano. It's old lovely-looking stuff, big things that are an effort to get out of the house, I am hoping he will want to save himself the hassle! :)

I used to work as a property solicitor, and people negotiate various deals. I think I'd approach it by saying " I really like your piano/chest /whatever,are you planning on it taking it with you?". Don't see how anyone could be insulted by that. They may suggest you make an offer, or that they don't want to part with it. If they are downsizing, you may be able to help them solve a problem.

My parents downsized recently from a 4 storey house to a bungalow.

They were desperate for buyers to buy their furniture. Was lovely solid wood Stag stuff which was a) too 'big' for the bungalow and b) not needed as the bungalow had a lot of fitted furniture.

They would've happily given it away to a naice buyer. No one wanted it though and it went on ebay. But it never hurts to ask.