How long should I wait for seller?

[ErickBroch]

Had an offer accepted. The house had been on the market a while so the seller had stopped looking - understandable!

We had some updates from the estate agents at first but nothing now, it's been 2.5 weeks since the offer was accepted. I know this isn't long so happy to wait, but I wanted to know...

How long would you wait for the seller to find somewhere?

Thank you!!

How much do you want the house?

It's a difficult question for anyone to answer really. Depends on what the alternatives are, how frequently this type of property comes up, what situation you are in, how quickly do you need to move. So many variables.

You are right sorry I didn't think to mention. I am a FTB, we both live at home so we don't have a deadline to move, however I don't want to be stupid and wait months and then the seller joins an additional long chain.

It is our ideal area, but i am keeping an eye on other properties that come up. I just wondered what people think is enough time to wait before asking some questions.

Thanks for responding

Don't spend any money until they have found somewhere. If you find somewhere else that looks like it might proceed more quickly, then you can jump ship at no cost.

We have bought and sold a bit - but not for more then 10 years until this summer. Trust and confidence are very different now to my previous experiences. If you want the property taken off the market you will be expected to show your commitment by investing in the purchase - pay for searches, survey etc. But you can also talk to EA for timelines and suggest your own schedule. ie: once they have offered on a property we will get survey done.... I ws just reading another thread about direct contact with buyers/sellers. worth a look! Better to build trust that both sides are going through with it, especially if you have flexibility on when you need to move. Good luck!

I think at this time of year you’ll have to wait a while as not much will come on now til the new year. As others have said I think it’s reasonable to not pay out for anything til they’ve found somewhere and probably keep looking in case.

What is the sellers position ie do they have to move by a specific time or are they only going to move if they find something they love?

We waited 8 months (!) for our seller, before pulling out. In that time, the market had moved on, and we got a lot less for our money. I certainly wouldn't hang around

Although I'd say not to be unrealistic about how quickly your sellers will find somewhere:

1. Don't spend money til the chain is complete and all solicitors have confirmed their instructions;
2. Keep looking (though probably in a low key way);
3. Don't wait longer than it suits you.

Good luck!

We ftb buyers. Got strung along 6 weeks before sellers changed their mind.

We looked at over 40houses.
In South west prices reduced. Houses on the market for ages and kess availiable.
It's been thos way since July.
Hopefully market improve In new year/spring.

Our seller (no2)wanted no chain and neither did we.
We have good mortage deal that would have expired.

We waited 15 weeks before pulling out. The sellers just couldn't find anywhere trey liked enough to make an offer. We were bottom of the chain with nothing to sell. We're now in rented.

If you really want the house there's no limit to how long you "should" wait. Stay in touch with the estate agent and don't incur any fees until you're sure it's going to go ahead.

Good luck

Thanks all for new messages!

We are giving it till the new year because of the market around Christmas. Our seller is an elderly woman looking for a retirement flat - EAs are becoming frustrated as they are showing her places as much as possible and she is being very picky. She has been in her house for so long I guess it is going to take a while for her to find somewhere she thinks compares.

We aren't going to pull out but will keep looking ourselves in Jan I think. We like the house a lot but we aren't 100% on how serious she is about selling as it was on the market a while, and our mortgage offer won't probably last as long as it takes now!