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Buyers delaying arranging survey - who is being unreasonable?

8 replies

Sachacat00 · 17/04/2021 12:45

Just wanted some opinions from others going through the same house selling/buying stress! We’re selling a Victorian property and very lucky to have had 4 offers over asking in a day.

Our chain of 3 was completed early March, our vendors and myself booked surveys straight away. I was surprised to find out there was a 4 week lead time on surveying, so made our estate agent aware and asked that our buyers to book theirs ASAP (to avoid future delays).

Now, 4 weeks later they still haven’t booked anything despite saying they want one! Our EA has found them hard to get hold of and when they finally spoke to them they were very apologetic. Had spoken to 4 surveyors and exactly as I’d anticipated the earliest they could do it now was mid May. We said fine get it booked by end of day Friday....and here we are Saturday and they still haven’t booked anything! I’m so frustrated by their absolute lack of urgency.

Searches are back on the purchase, our searches should be back in the next 10 days and everyone’s mortgage offers are through (as far as I’m aware). I’m so concerned we’re going to reach point of exchange and they ask for money off if the survey throws something unexpected up. What would you do? Sit and wait? I’m so confused as to why they simply can’t phone and book a survey and starting to consider relisting - is that irrational?!

OP posts:
drpet49 · 17/04/2021 12:48

You had 4 offers over the asking price. Quite simply I would put it back on the market.

Your buyers are wasting time. Who’s to say they won’t try and get money off at the last minute before you exchange. I wouldn’t trust them.

BlueCherryBlossom · 17/04/2021 13:19

We booked our survey as soon as we had our mortgage offer.

readytosell · 17/04/2021 13:23

If the chain is complete, then no reason to delay - that's the point at which it should be all stations go from everyone.

Agreed, it sounds like your property would sell again quickly, so tell them to get on it tomorrow or it's going back on the market!

Spickle · 17/04/2021 17:06

Perhaps they are still waiting for a mortgage offer and don't want to spend money until they do.

Knittedfairies · 17/04/2021 17:17

I'd tell the buyers that the house would be going back on the market if they haven't booked a survey by x. You'll know whether they are serious about buying if they do.

RainingBatsAndFrogs · 17/04/2021 17:22

I would say Booked by noon Monday or back in the market.

When I bought recently the usual stipulation was solicitor engaged and survey booked within a certain time frame, (A few days) or viewings would re-commence.

UCOforAC12 · 17/04/2021 17:42

Agree with PP. Survey booked by X time/date or reapproach those who offered previously.

Mumelie · 17/04/2021 17:54

Play hard ball with them now. We stupidly let it drift with our useless buyers and are tearing our hair out at how slow and uncommunicative they are!

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