Potentially pulling out of purchase

[dizzyupthegirl86]

I didn’t think I’d feel so sad about it...

Offered on a house in June, which was accepted and things have been plodding along since then. I’m not in a chain, it’s been mostly covid related delays.
I had the homebuyers survey done which picked up a few significant issues - damp in the outbuildings and some dodgy electrics there, some issues with the felt covering on a bay window, etc... nothing huge or of concern, particularly as I was getting the outbuildings rebuilt anyway! But it also found problems with the roof - some slipped tiles, no pointing on the chimney, and the covering on the inside in not great condition meaning the surveyor could see light coming in through the roof from the loft! They recommended immediate repair and replacing within 3-5 years.

The sellers only bought the place 3 years ago (they are a couple who are now divorcing) so it’s not like they’ve been in the house for years and haven’t been aware of any issues. They’ve also done some work on a bit of land at the bottom of the garden that isn’t theres (and yet forms a big part of the garden which is one of the main selling points) and are refusing to get indemnity for it.

My solicitor today has said the sellers won’t consider repairing the roof or negotiating on price... So I’m considering walking away from it. It’s at the top of the ceiling price (mainly because of the garden) and although I love the house, it’s just not in my budget to pay for a new roof when the work needed isn’t reflected in the price. I suppose I’m particularly resentful because I’m willing to overlook all of the other issues the survey pulled up.

There have been other houses that have come on the market which tick more of my boxes so I know they exist - but how do you make that mental switch from mentally unpacking in one house to trying to put yourself off it and start looking elsewhere?

I need to have a serious think about it - I’ve only heard about their refusal on the roof this morning - and I don’t want to make a snap decision - but does anyone have any words of wisdom please?

@Flaunch

I was ready to say that the stuff with the house wouldn’t bother me at all but the garden would but tbh now you’ve explained it I’m not sure the garden would. If it’s canal side it isn’t likely to be claimed back. What had the neighbouring houses done?

Yes, it’s not like they’ve done anything hugely underhand or unusual, it’s just that it’s been done on land that is a bit.... unclaimed?

The other houses have done similar things - basically levelled the ground and put seating on it (some have put small fences or glass balustrade in, ‘mine’ hasn’t as he uses it for fishing). I don’t doubt it took a lot of work which is probably why some others haven’t (including the neighbours I chatted to who said it’s too much work for them) but it does capitalise on a lovely view.

The council absolutely could demand it’s put back to how it used to be. I doubt that they would because the land doesn’t run across the whole length of the canal, only about 7-8 houses worth so it’s not like you could even put a path there or anything - but ultimately if they did, that responsibility would be mine as the owner (unless there’s an indemnity policy in place). If that was the ONLY issue, I’d probably swallow the cost of the indemnity myself.

Bit of an update - the solicitor (useless) told me to speak to the estate agent about my concerns, which I did.
EA then called me after speaking to the vendor, and said the vendors solicitors made out the garden issue wasn’t a huge deal - but that the vendor would instruct them to arrange indemnity.
Vendor still doesn’t think they should pay for a new roof that ‘might’ need replacing. EA suggested I put a figure to them. Then later sent me a message saying seller has suggested taking 1k off the price to contribute to repairs.

Still mulling it over but I’m slightly more keen now that they are at least showing willing to discuss...

Just walk away. Unless it's your absolute dream house. I agree it's not been properly maintained. And the part about the land sounds a bit of a headache too. Let somebody else take it on.

I was about to say, please notify the estate agent yourself, although I really agree you have well founded and absolutely reasonable grounds for doing so.

We sold our house off market via a lovely local agent - he’d contacted us as he had someone longing to buy in our street yada yada. We were renovating to rent it out but agreed to sale partly because she was SO keen then she pulled out without telling anyone but her solicitor and not instructing him to tell anyone. He just mentioned it in an email to our solicitor about something else. Like ‘oh yeah, we don’t need to progress that one anymore since the purchase is off’. It was SO gutting!

Didn't see your last post. I still wouldn't be keen. It's all very well for them to say no big deal but it's you who will need to deal with it.

@BletheringHeights that’s awful! I didn’t see it like that, if I’m honest, but you’re absolutely right. The estate agent has been brilliant throughout so I should have thought about that earlier.

The estate agent suggested the indemnity thing was played down by their solicitors - she agreed with me that it was significant and said I could and should insist on it. EA isn’t being pushy, in fairness. For them to have now instructed solicitors to arrange that literally hours after that conversation is a good sign I think.

I actually spoke to a roofer today who said that homebuyers surveys always suggest the roof needs work. I’m not sure they all say they can see daylight through the roof though but several people have said that to me. Hopefully not a drip feed but the surveyor rang me after the report (about something unrelated) and said something along the lines of ‘I can’t say it will DEFINITELY need replacing in 3-5 years but that’s my opinion’.

I’ve had some other bad news yesterday so my head is all over the place really - I need to really give it some thought. I was browsing rightmove and everything that’s come on the market over the last week or so is just ‘blah’ to me at the minute compared to that one!

Tbh if the garden backs on to a canal I would be freaked out by rats....!!!!

If your heart is in it maybe you should just proceed.
The roof cannot be so bad if the surveyor said it may need replacing in the next 3-5 years, that sounds a bit arse covering to me.
Maybe the issues aren't so insurmountable.
It's always easy for people on the internet to recommend to pull out. The next house may have issues too! Good that the vendors are becoming a bit more flexible.

Oh yes, and on a practical basis, the agent was so absolutely furious with her, they now will not represent her or show her more houses! She really screwed them over late in the day.