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Original poster

Demands a day before exchange

70 replies

fingerscrossed4this · 02/12/2021 23:44

After dragging this along for WAY longer than required, our buyers finally agreed to exchange tomorrow and we get this from their solicitor -

It is noted the electrical inspection report dated 2011 requires the next inspection to take place in 2021. It is appreciated that exchange is required tomorrow and therefore please confirm your client will arrange for the an inspection of the electrical system prior to completion and for any remedial works to be undertaken at his expense.

The last inspection was done when our house was built (we bought it new) and there is a recommended date of inspection on the report that was given to us. I'm so annoyed that they have waited till the very last minute to spring this on us. They've also asked for a boiler service to be done, which we are fine with as we get that done annually anyway.

I am fuming! They've put us through a lot already and I really want to say no. Having read previous threads on here and having checked online, there's no obligation for us to do this inspection. FYI, we live in England. Urgh so annoyed! We were meant to have exchanged mid October!!!!

Sorry I just needed to vent. I don't think we'll ever exchange at this rate.

OP posts:
m00rfarm · 02/12/2021 23:47

But if it needs to be done in 2021 and we are already in December, is it not your responsibility? If the inspection is not required, then tell them that. It depends what the electrical inspection document says.

Viviennemary · 02/12/2021 23:50

TBH I'd tell them to get lost. I would rather lose the sale than give in to chancers.

Original poster
fingerscrossed4this · 02/12/2021 23:54

It doesn't need to be done. It's a recommendation on the inspection form from when the house was built. If you are a landlord and renting out your property, then you have to. But this is an almost new home (ex show home that we bought in 2014) that is still under NHBC warranty and we haven't done any changes to the electrics.

I am tempted to agree with you @Viviennemary.

OP posts:
MoiraNotRuby · 03/12/2021 00:02

How much will it cost? I would probably suck it up tbh. Imagine starting all over again with new buyers...

Clymene · 03/12/2021 00:02

They sound like wankers. I guess it depends how much you want the sale. There are very unlikely to be remedial works needed after @0 years

Clymene · 03/12/2021 00:03

No glasses. I meant 10!

DaisyNGO · 03/12/2021 00:08

I would say no

It's not a legal requirement, they are just trying it on.

Original poster
fingerscrossed4this · 03/12/2021 00:10

@MoiraNotRuby I'm not sure of the costs. My husband is of the same opinion as yours - Just get it done for lesser stress. But it's the principle of it that's bothering me. From what I've read it's always the buyers who pay for the inspection if they need one. Springing this on us at this time so close to exchange is preying on our vulnerability. So unfair.

@Clymene I agree. Had this been an older properly or one where we had additional works done, this would have been a reasonable request. Even then, to demand at this point would still have been very cheeky. (I'm trying not to swear)

OP posts:
Viviennemary · 03/12/2021 00:10

We got messed about by a seller years ago who stalled and stalled. DH pulled out and hes not usually that bold and of course we lost money. . But best thing we ever did and got a better house in the end. I know you are the one selling and not buying. But I hate those type of folk and they shouldnt get away with it. Makes me mad on your behalf! But don't do anything too rash. Just say as far as you are concerned its still under warranty and that should be sufficient for any reasonsble person. Sounds like they're stalling. Best of luck.

Original poster
fingerscrossed4this · 03/12/2021 00:30

@Viviennemary they're definitely stalling. I realise that now. There was a moment a couple of weeks back where they said they were willing to exchange but came up with another excuse at the last moment not to. There's too much to type if I had to share the whole saga but what could have been a very simple straightforward property deal has been everything but.

OP posts:
BootsScootsAndToots · 03/12/2021 00:36

We had a request by our buyers to provide them with an electrical certificate. We just said no.

And we were desperate to sell as we were moving to Australia and I'd spent 3 months boxing everything up but unable to book a container collection date.

I think their conveyancer has told them to ask for (probably just realising they should have mentioned it earlier!)

DaisyNGO · 03/12/2021 00:37

OP this might seem really silly but has your solicitor seen proof of funds for the completion? If they've been stalling for ages I wonder if that's it.

In fact I'd politely decline the electrics and ask to see proof of funds again even if you've seen it. If exchange is tomorrow - today! - then the completion date must be soon?

I must go to bed but keeping everything crossed for you.

Angrymum22 · 03/12/2021 00:41

Are they buying to let? If so they are being CF and expecting you to foot the bill for something they will legally require.
Otherwise you do not have to comply it is likely their solicitor has picked it up and not even informed the buyer. The silicosis just trying to cover their back

Angrymum22 · 03/12/2021 00:42

Solicitor not silicosis although both are a serious health hazard

MimiDaisy11 · 03/12/2021 02:09

It’s a sellers market so they’d be silly to pull out over this especially on a new build’s electrics. I’d be tempted to call their bluff and just say no.

Twiglets1 · 03/12/2021 06:12

Before doing anything rash I would find out today the cost of it and how quickly it can be done. If it can be done quickly and cheaply, just book it

Theunamedcat · 03/12/2021 06:27

That's going to delay things even more if your anything like my area electricions are busy catching up with pandemic jobs

Hippychicken1 · 03/12/2021 06:27

I’ve just had one done and it cost £180 this was on an old house nothing wrong with it just needed a few things sorted out

TyrannosaurusRights · 03/12/2021 06:44

If they’re stalling better to know now so you can decide you’ll spend Christmas where you are and remarket the property.

I’d say no, exchange happens on the agreed date or it goes back on the market.

Totalwasteofpaper · 03/12/2021 06:49

Say no.
They are stalling and if they don't exchange tomorrow you are remarketing.

And do it sorry this is happening to you Flowers the system here is dire.

DebIr · 03/12/2021 07:16

Costs a couple of £100. I would say you’ll do it after exchange provided exchange happens as agreed.

NiceTwin · 03/12/2021 07:26

I'd just say no. I pulled the rug from under a buyer when he started messing me around. He came back tail between his legs but I refused to do business with him.
I am a stubborn old goat Grin

Platax · 03/12/2021 07:28

I don't see how you make out the they're stalling. If they were, they would demand that you get the inspection done before exchange. As it is, they're happy to exchange immediately provided you agree to get the inspection done before completion. Just do it.

MyOtherProfile · 03/12/2021 07:29

I would say no too, and remind them that it's not a rule, just a suggestion.

Catnipples · 03/12/2021 07:51

@DebIr

Costs a couple of £100. I would say you’ll do it after exchange provided exchange happens as agreed.
This is a good compromise. Bloody annoying but just get it done & say no to any further requests in the future.