So here’s the brief (I hope) backstory. I offered full asking price for a new build house in April after viewing it several times since January 2021. My offer was with the proviso we completed by 30/06/21 to qualify for the stamp duty holiday. It was nearly finished and I was assured it would be build complete by May. This didn’t happen and I realised I would have to pay the extra stamp duty costs, due to the delay of the developer . I understand the process as I have worked for a corporate developer for 20 years so though totally galling, I knew the risk I was taking from the start. My chain has had a few hiccups but we began discussing completion dates last week, aiming for exchange this week and completion by the end of this month. I viewed our new house on Friday and it was not ready, but the finishing touches were all that was needed-maybe a few days work in total. My solicitor was still waiting for some final replies to enquiries but everything was coming together for completion in 2 weeks.
Then last night after close of business, the estate agent called me and said the developer had “lost confidence in the sale”. I was speechless as I’ve never come across this before. My solicitor is stunned and can only suggest the developer wants more money. But why didn’t they say this? I haven’t delayed the process,I’ve accepted all their shortcomings and have demonstrated from the beginning that I have the funds available.
I lost my Mum in March and this house is so my Dad, who has dementia, can live with me and my autistic son so I can look after both of them under one roof. The developers know this and yet are prepared to ruin our lives, not to mention the four other people in the chain, for their own greed. AIBU to expect a bit of integrity, decency and old fashioned morality from a “small family developer “? Or at the very least, for them to sell me the house as agreed?