Buying house - broken window

[WindowWanker]

We are SSTC in a property last week. We went to view it again yesterday and noticed that the little window at the top of the stairs can't be shut. The handle is missing and when I tried to pull it shut it wouldn't go all the way.

Is it reasonable to ask the vendor to repair this before we exchange? It's a security risk and I presume once we've changed we will be liable for the house?

Can’t hurt to ask, I would certainly agree to fix it if I was the seller.
I think you become liable or responsible for the property once you complete

Just googled it and apparently It's once you exchange
That's why they say you need to get insurance from the date of exchange

I'm surprised they are trying to sell a house with a broken window.. surely they thought this would be noticed either by you or the surveyor

I would be speaking with your solicitor/estate agent ASAP