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Original poster

Reasons for a house on the market to be suspiciously cheap(ish)

103 replies

Pookythebear · 03/01/2018 13:40

Just that really. We are not really in the market to move right now, but always keep our eyes open for anything that might pop up in a few areas that we like, as its always an option for the future. How I missed it before I don’t know, but my dream property (rural, detached, period) loomed up on rightmove yesterday.

But for this area (SE England) it’s about £100k less than Id expect it to be. It is rural and is about 10miles from nearest train station - but that doesn’t tend to put estate agents off asking the most they can. I spoke to the estate agent this morning who describes it as well presented. It’s been on the market for a year with lots of viewings and only one offer which fell through. My suspicions are aroused and I guess until we view it ourselves we won’t know but does anyone know the usual reasons...?

TIA

OP posts:
JediStoleMyBike · 03/01/2018 13:42

Is there a link? As for the price, it has to be something apparent upon viewing. Are there many pictures?

Original poster
Pookythebear · 03/01/2018 13:45

Yes, loads of pix! Here’s the link....
www.rightmove.co.uk/property-for-sale/property-68778434.html

OP posts:
Buxbaum · 03/01/2018 13:46

Structural issues that might make it difficult to get a mortgage - non standard construction, subsidence, flooding?

Proximity to very smelly or noisy farming or other industry?

Realistic price due to known issues that would come up in a survey, e.g. needing a new roof?

bubblesdrew · 03/01/2018 13:47

It is lovely!

Bridechilla · 03/01/2018 13:47

It's photographed very well, I wonder if reality just doesn't stand up to that. Looks like very low ceilings and small rooms. Every surface painted pish yellow doesn't help either Grin

Rainatnight · 03/01/2018 13:48

Flooding?

Buxbaum · 03/01/2018 13:49

Just seen your link.

I think it's probably to do with the reasons for the vacant possession. It would normally make me think that it is a probate sale but that doesn't look like a stereotypical house vacated by an elderly person. They probably need a quick sale.

HaHaHmm · 03/01/2018 13:50

Agree that it has been well photographed - I think some of the rooms are pretty small. The kitchen is quite dated.

BlackAmericanoNoSugar · 03/01/2018 13:51

It doesn't have any private bit of garden, all of it can be seen from the road. And it's really hard up against the field so there might be issues to do with pesticide usage or muck spreading.

Have you done Google Street View to see what is around it and overlooking it?

DustandRubble · 03/01/2018 13:53

Timber frame meaning it is hard to get a mortgage?

MaggieMay23 · 03/01/2018 13:54

Is it a cold house - draughty not well insulated, damp? Dry rot wet rot, drains/ sewerage Did the extension meet building regulations. What work might need doing. Are there any planning applications in with the council for nearby that could impact on the house and the land around it. Lack of infrastructure - shops, schools, transport links, public transport?

BreakfastAtSquiffanys · 03/01/2018 13:54

Aircraft noise from Stanstead or Duxford?
Is there new town expansion planned to the SW of Haverhill?

Make sure that annexe in garden doesn't have a sitting tenant.

Original poster
Pookythebear · 03/01/2018 13:55

Interesting, thanks. Yes, I did wonder about whether there was some clever photography going on. And the pissy yellow throughout does not help!

But yes, overall, I did wonder if the vacant possession was the clue.
Hmmm - we are going to drive past this weekend and take it from there. And Do a u-turn when we see the nuclear plant over the road Wink

OP posts:
BlackAmericanoNoSugar · 03/01/2018 13:55

Also, it looks like there's a path or right of way running along the edge of the field, which might mean people walking past your windows.

IvorBiggun · 03/01/2018 13:56

It says it’s “un-listed” which is an unusual term to use and suggests it may have been listed previously.

Is it in an area where compulsory purchase orders may have been likely for road or rail development or similar?

Msqueen33 · 03/01/2018 13:56

@Pookythebear you’re my neck of the woods. Think small posh market town in Essex about 20 minutes away SW. That looks like a lovely place. Could location be a bit of a draw back for most people?

magimedi · 03/01/2018 13:57

Is there a great big new housing estate planned for that field?

IvorBiggun · 03/01/2018 13:58

The kitchen is rather dated which may indicate other work that needs to be done.

Weezol · 03/01/2018 14:00

It could be a repossession, or it may need to be sold quickly for probate purposes.

Original poster
Pookythebear · 03/01/2018 14:01

Thanks everyone - I did actually ask about any new roads/rail/housing popping up in the vicinity and estate agent said ‘not that I know of’. Not entirely said with the conviction I’d have liked, but...

Msqueen33 - yes I do know where you are! And do you agree that it’s kinda cheap for the area??

OP posts:
greenlids · 03/01/2018 14:02

As others say, flooding or subsidence?

Otherwise, it is a very old house - have the renovations and alterations been done with the right permissions - is it listed?
Is it on the proposed route of a new bypass?
Will there be 3,000 houses built in that field behind the house?
Are there covenants or other legal restrictions?
A public right of way through the middle?
Any disputes with neighbours or landowners?
Disputed ownership of the property?
Previously carried-out surveys thrown up anything dodgy?

The estate agent probably already knows why it is up for that price, but since they are acting for the seller, they aren't going to be too forthcoming with unwelcome information.

You could always pay a visit to the nearest pub or local shop and ask around.

Scrowy · 03/01/2018 14:03

It might become obvious when you look round.

For example we went up see a house that was just out of our price range but very well priced/ cheap for what it was.

All fine, kitchen needed significantly updating but otherwise nothing remarkable.... until we got upstairs and it became very obvious what the problem was. Someone elderly had clearly died there and hadn't been found for a while. Someone had done their best to clear up, remove carpets in that room etc but, you could just tell. We asked the estate agent who confirmed that had been the case.

TBF it didn't put us off but in the end it was out of our price range still even with the massive reduction.

senua · 03/01/2018 14:06

There is no hall so the kitchen has to be accessed off the sitting room.
It doesn't mention services: does it have gas, broadband etc?
Bedroom 3 is only 7'3" by 7' and Bedroom 4 is off Bedroom 1:- £435k is a lot to pay for two-and-two-halves bedrooms.

SingaSong12 · 03/01/2018 14:06

Rooms may be small. Also one bedroom leads off another and described on floor plan as small badrrom or dressing room so maybe it is practically a three bedroom.

iknowimcoming · 03/01/2018 14:07

I had a look on the street view and it's very close to the road (40mph limit) with very little parking and not much garden for a rural property - I'd say that's probably worth £100k sadly. The house opposite(ish) has a much better position (set back from the road and a much bigger driveway) so I'd bet that would go for lots more.