Gaining access between exchange and completion

[Confusedhousehunter]

Has anybody done this?

The house we are buying is empty. It needs a LOT of redecoration. We had planned to ask for access after exchange to make a start. We have a toddler and another baby on the way so even being able to get one or two rooms liveable would be a massive help.

The mortgage broker and solicitor both told us that it's very commonplace. However, the vendors have turned us down. I'm wondering whether it's worth trying to appeal to them to reconsider?

It is possible to exchange and complete on the same day, why don't you push for this instead if you really need to get on with the work so badly?

I think the point is that they want to be able to do work in the new house, whilst still living in the old house, so simultaneous exchange and completion doesn't help.

Completing and exchanging in the same day won't help - they will have to move out of the house they are selling on completion: unless they have the cash to pay for the new house before getting the money for the old. Which she doesn't!

OP, I know it is frustrating, but it really is not common to gain access to make alterations before completion.

Suppose there is a fire at the house (or yours - I have known this happen) or your buyers pull out, or you cut through a pipe, or go against building regs and leave a dangerous expensive mess.....or have an accident due t something in the house and your insurance co pursue the owners....

These are the sorts of reasons that solicitors, mortgage lenders and owners usually say 'no' until a house has legally changed hands.