Vendor won't let us view without seeing AIP

[mussinboots]

We've been really struggling to find a property in our area- there's very little on the market within budget. We've finally found something that looks half-decent but it's not in an area I'm keen on (only agreed to view it to keep the peace). I contacted the EA who told me the vendor is keen to sell since he's found himself a property he really wants but can't proceed until he has an offer on his existing property (the one we want to view) BUT he won't let anyone in for viewings unless they provide details of the chain they're in (we have a FTB) and a copy of our AIP. AIBU to think this is bang out of order? Confidentiality (ours and our buyer's) aside, we don't even know if we like the property/want to offer on it!!!

I've told him no thanks and the search goes on but is this the direction of how things are now going in the buying/selling world?!

That’s fair. One downside of EA seeing the AIP is that they know what your budget can stretch too … in your position I would play them at their own game. Get a mortgage broker, get 1 AIP ok the low side of your budget & plan on getting a higher one fast if needed

I've had estate agents ask if I have an AIP but none have asked to actually see it before the offer stage. I think that puts you in a position where you can't really negotiate if they know what your budget is. They work for the seller, not you. Sometimes I think the American system of both buyer and seller having their own estate agent would be better, then your estate agent could vouch for you.

AIPs are easy to get, don't usually affect credit score, and you can get more than one. I did mine online well before I started viewing houses, then it expired and I got another AIP. It doesn't really mean anything, once I had an offer accepted I found a mortgage broker and they went with a different lender anyway. So you could just get an AIP for a lower amount to start with to show estate agents (do not show the vendor, they aren't bound by any regulations and you have every right to protect your privacy!)