Downsize/mortgage free update

[MrsBobDylan]

I got some good advice on here about whether to sell and downsize to a flat so we could be mortgage-free.

We've had our offer accepted on a 3/4 bed flat on Tuesday, which is so exciting!!

The flat needs a huge amount of work but we are all really up for it.

The estate agent has lined up a viewing on our house with first time buyers. No upward chain as the flat is probate.

Solicitors said sales are taking an average of between 12-16 weeks atm - do you think ours could be quicker?

It’s one of things that u just don’t know. Mine should have been quick as it was a really short chain. Yet here I sit without a vital piece of paper and it doesn’t look like it’s coming anytime soon either.

Oh that's great news. I remember your post.
The fact it needs work means you can think about how best to make it work for your own family.

I read your previous post. Congratulations! Hope it goes through smoothly.

I had this exact scenario, except I was top of chain, selling the probate house.

From offer to completion was 9 weeks. The only hold up was the searches and my buyer paid an indemnity on theirs in the end as they wanted to complete before the stamp duty discount ended.

It's imperative you all use decent solicitors and preferably local not online ones. I assume not all online ones are rubbish but most take on far too much work and are often uncontactable. Also do check probate has definitely been granted as so often it hasn't and EA's/buyers can be a bit sketchy about this.

Good luck and hope all goes smoothly!

Hi OP congratulations! Is it possible to link to your original thread? I'd love to read about this.

Sorry to hear that @Paranoidandroidmarvin - the waiting and wondering is painful isn't it?

Thank you very much for your best wishes, we are so excited.

I can't wait to live in the area we are moving to, it is really lovely with excellent schools and a swimming pool 10 mins walk away.

I still haven't seen the property because of Covid, first viewing Saturday. DH viewed and took a video for me, but thinks it's hilarious I've committed to the sale without seeing it. We are opposites, I love risk-taking and he is so cautious it's a wonder he ever leaves the house

The flat is £175k and I reckon will need £25k min to make good. It is advertised as a 3 bed but there is a dining area which can be a fourth bedroom, so everyone has an area they can retreat to!