Can our buyer do this? He's so irritating!

[Rumours0fAHurricane]

I've recently sold my late parents home, subject to contract. Sale going through nicely, chain is good and all I'm waiting for is probate to be granted in order for me to actually sell the home. So we are all on track

The buyer howler is such a pain. He's already asked for 4 viewings - and had them. However my issue is this ..

A few weeks ago he asked if he could have a key and wander round unaccompanied. I said no. So the poor estate agent had to trail round after him as he took more measurements and looked at things - god knows what - and he took up 2 hours of their time

Today he's asked for a key again. He wants to 'do his own survey.' Apparently isn't paying for one. So he wants access to the loft, he wants to check the boiler and look at the hive heating and take yet more measurements

Again I've said no to giving him a key but can I actually say no to a 5th visit? Is he taking the piss?

I don't want him in the loft, I have no idea at all if it's ok to walk around ( this is my childhood home but I've not lived there for 30 years!) and I do not want him standing on something or injuring himself. I do not want the settings messed with on the hive heating and same with the boiler. Just want it left alone. It's relatively new and works just fine and we have proof of that which he is aware of.

He just feels entitled to have a key when he wants and to do what he wants. He has accused the EA of ' obstructing him'

So.. is this a thing? Can he demand this?

Never known anything like it. He's very happy with the price of property so he's not looking to knock us down or anything. He's just feeling he should be able to do exactly what he likes

Well it’s not his yet so yes you can tell him no. Is he contacting you directly? I would tell him your on holiday/busy with work etc how long more do you have to wait for probate??

No he's coming via the EA so that's something I suppose!

Probate isn't something you can chase unfortunately. The probate office is swamped with a new system and a backlog and they are dealing with cases strictly in date order. My solicitor deals with it and keeps me updated and they're slowly catching up. Should only be another 5 or six weeks. Buyer fully aware this is a probate sale though and to BE PATIENT.

He knows the house is empty so I think that's also why he feels he can 'pop round' whenever.

He can't!

He has been there 5 times already - tell him to either piss or get off the pot.

You don't even need to give him an excuse. Just say no. If he has already signed the contract, well then, without giving up his deposit he has no get out clause.

We haven't exchanged yet. I can't until grant of probate and he isn't able to just yet either - but we are moving well in that direction.

Hes just so so entitled!

At this stage (before contracts have been exchanged) he can ask for anything, but it's up to you to say yes or no. But obviously he could pull out of the purchase if he requests something and doesn't get it. So I guess it depends how easy it is to get a buyer for this location / type of property?

I think twice is ok but no he is taking the piss now. If he fell through the loft he would be blaming you, let him walk round up there when the keys are legally his !

@Pineapplefish I'm not actually bothered if he pulls out at this stage as he's driving me mad!

The house sold within 12 hours of being online, with everyone who viewed it offering. Mainly because it has planning permission to build a further 2 houses in the grounds and not because the actual house is pristine! So I think that's a draw

If you don't care if he pulls out, you have the upper hand. Just say no.

Sounds to me like you're in a stronger position that him to be able to say no he's not getting another viewing and if he doesn't want the house he can pull out and you'll put it back on the market.... Or whatever words would be appropriate.

Next time he asks tell him the deal is off and you are putting it back on the market as you cant be dealing with his bullshit. See what his reaction is to that.

You may well be better off with a different buyer.

Say no. I had a buyer like this. She viewed it 4 times before exchange of contracts and once between exchange and completion. I would have said no the last time but the EA showed her round without asking me. She was a complete pain all the way through. The last time she viewed muddy boots were tramped through the house and into the bedroom. I didn't bother trying too clean it up. She also contacted me direct which I was really irritated about and basically stalked the house until she found us in. I was way too polite and next time I sell I fully intend to tell the EA max of two viewings and no direct contact.

She still annoys me now! The above isn't the half of it!

Tell the estate agent to deal with him, they should be earning their fee.
Go uncontactable for a week or so.

It sounds like it's in high demand and you won't have an issue with selling. Especially with the planning permission.

I would say no and he can sod off if he wants.

Ok I'm going to say no to any further viewings. It's not for him to decide he'd like to poke around in the airing cupboard or loft. Just getting a bit silly now

Just say no, agent will likely be relieved and be delighted to tell him.

You're completely correct not to let him have a key. He gets a key once he has paid the agreed price in full. Not before. He can't be allowed to do anything unsupervised - if he causes damage and then decides not to proceed the insurance situation would be a nightmare!

I would love to know why he thinks he should have a key, and be able to come and go when he pleases. How bizarre!

I’d say no, he’s taking up too much of everyone’s time on something that isn’t his.

He shouldn’t go poking around in the loft etc anyway, he could easily cause damage and end up not buying it for any unforseeable reason leaving you with a cost to put it right.

It is strange isn't it? I've also sold my own house recently (all go here!) and our buyers had two viewings. The house I have bought I viewed once.

I think any more than 2 viewings is bordering on annoying unless there's a good reason.

He wanted to pick up the key from the EA only a few weeks back. Wanting to 'check the heating system.' I said no because I don't want the settings changed. I only get to go over every couple of weeks as it is and don't want him in there alone.

Just so weird

Seeing as you are in the much stronger position I would seriously push back on this. How dare he even ask for a key?

@TheHodgeoftheHedge because he's asked twice now, I decided to post in here and ask if this was actually a thing these days! Just astounded

No it’s serious cheeky fuckery!

I wouldn't buy a house I've been into once ! unless it was a new build
When we bought here, it was empty due to it being owned by an elderly person who'd gone into care. We did the initial walk around seeing if it fitted our requirements. Then did a second view with mind set on what we'd do with it i.e. renovations, looking at boiler, electrics etc . Then 3rd viewing once we'd had it surveyed and looking at points made by surveyor . Didn't think I was being a nightmare.

Urghh. We had buyers like this. Getting EA to let them in “to measure up” then announcing they’d found an apparent flaw and we’d need to reduce the price. Every time we told them to either get a full survey or jog on. It was tiresome. We would happily have put it back on the market (still wish we had tbh).