Vendor unwilling to allow second viewing

[Flyingin]

I saw a house yesterday which I liked and I am 99 per cent sure I want to put an offer in but as it is a big decision I would like a second viewing. The vendor is unwilling
due to health risks. I wonder what people thought.

I'm in a similar situation, saw a house before the Xmas break, the estate agents were closed over Xmas and the first time we've been able to secure a viewing is this Saturday. The house is empty but I'm not sure if it's 'against the rules' to still continue with the viewing, i guess it's hardly essential. But I'm so disappointed.

I think they may struggle to sell. The process will involve some contact for them at some point.

We are having a valuation this week. Face masks etc will be in use, doors and windows will be open, social distancing will apply. When they leave we'll wipe down anything they have touched. Could you suggest something similar?

I work in a related field and am therefore still working. Estate agents and moving house specifically mentioned and allowed in the new rules.

I think if they were really keen to sell they would put measures in place to make it work

It is a shame but don't go through with an enormous purchase without a second viewing.

Another house will come along.

Yes, the rules do allow it. They also declined viewings in mid December so I have the sense they are not that fussed about when they sell. I worry about buying a house based on a 15 min show round and a vendor who clearly doesn’t like to give people
Access.
I am under
Offer
And
My buyers are keen to progress.

Well, it is sellers right to refuse the viewings. But I personally would also need more than one viewing before putting in an offer too, so you’re not unreasonable either. I’d keep looking if I were you. Once the vaccines are done, the house will probably still be on the market if the seller is refusing viewings due to Covid and you can decide if you want to view again then.

Just seen your update. You could look for a short term rental and continue with sale of your house. Then you’d be an offer with no chain and more likely to get a discount on buying when you do buy.

I’m confused why they’re are selling at this point, if they’re so concerned. The majority of buyers will want a survey, are they going to try to suggest the surveyor doesn’t go in the house? 1 viewing isn’t sufficient for a property purchase.

Earlier in the year after the lockdown ended we were viewing houses. We asked to view once house we liked the look of on Rightmove, to be told they weren’t doing viewings but we could do a video videoing. But we would be added to a list once they were doing physical viewings, no phone call as yet! Funnily enough the house hasn’t sold

We have a third , post offer, viewing

So we are going out ( it's pouring) and will leave windows open , gloves and sanitiser by the front door

Yes,
I could wait but my buyers won’t and unfortunately I
Can’t rent in the short term.
I also felt the estate agent wasn’t being straightforward with me. I wonder if I should put a polite note through the vendor’s door or is that a massive breach of
Etiquette? (I obviously not trying to get round the agents fee etc).

@Flyingin
You may well have done this already but if this property is one you are seriously thinking of putting an offer in then say to the EA that unless you want to put an offer in but conditional on a 2nd viewing. Perhaps even say you want to place an offer of X amount but that you will only confirm that once you have had a 2nd viewing.

I understand peoples fear at the moment but if they are willing to sell during a pandemic they need to take into account the risks involved. Perhaps knowing you are on the cusp of offering or even have offered but want to view again to confirm you are happy will give them the gentle nudge they need.

I should add that an offer is not legally binding so you can always withdraw. Thats why i suggest putting an offer in but on the basis its confirmed so long as you have a 2nd viewing.

Your eyes are far more critical on a second viewing!

I would look elsewhere, OP.

There are things they could do: all my viewings have been done with the vendors out, doors etc left open and the viewer not to touch anything, windows open where possible. Everyone wearing masks, etc.

If they are not prepared fort that they will make the same difficulties over a surveyor.

@Flyingin

Yes, the rules do allow it. They also declined viewings in mid December so I have the sense they are not that fussed about when they sell. I worry about buying a house based on a 15 min show round and a vendor who clearly doesn’t like to give people Access. I am under Offer And My buyers are keen to progress.

Drop it They will waste your time.

P.S having given them a chance by trying the tactic suggested by PP to persuade them towards a second viewing.

The EAs will know you are serious as your house is under offer.

But keep looking elsewhere too!

If they are being this difficult about a second viewing, how will they react when/if you need yours or the bank's surveyor to have access? Or any other LX/drainage etc surveys you may wish to have done? It's their right to only allow whatever access they wish or are comfortable with but it won't make selling the property easy so I would wonder how committed they are? Presumably you have asked about their situation and know if they have already offered on another property, are going to rent etc? And why do you think the estate agent is not being straight with you?

The estate agent just seems very vague eg. She says they have found somewhere but isn’t specific. I think I will make an offer subject to second viewing because then the agent is obliged to pass it on.

Make an offer if accepted then demand second viewings to proceed. Making an offer doesn’t really mean anything you can pull straight out after second viewing if not happy. Or give EA your offer and say you’ll only formally submit it after a immediate second viewing, if they aren’t motivated then I’d think they are time wasters anyway and would be difficult to buy off

The EA needs to be more than vague too.

So they declined the offer because they want to put things on hold due to uncertainty. (!)

Thats annoying but I suppose at least they haven’t strung you along.

How long has your house been under offer? If it’s only been a week then you have plenty of time. If it’s been several then I would suggest going back to your buyers and saying due to the latest lockdown you are having difficulty finding places as people are taking them off the market.

The market is odd at the moment. If they are keen they will be patient for a while longer.