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Original poster

buyer wants to move stuff in after exchange

42 replies

Frazzled2207 · 21/03/2022 16:32

So we finally exchanged today and are completing next week. Yey!

Due in part to useless agents, have struck up friendly relationship with our buyer. Happened to text her today to say you'll be dead impressed with how well we've cleared out the cellar.

Now she has texted and asked if she can bring stuff round this week to put in the cellar. Our cellar is empty and have no real practical concerns, but it's not really normal to start moving in before you've moved is it. I mean it hasn't occured to us to ask our sellers if we can put stuff in their house ahead of completion even if the house is empty. I suspect there are insurance, and other implications to think about. What is driving this I think is that she is moving with 'a van' and family members while we are paying professional movers. She has previously said she is worried about having to empty the van and return them by 5.30pm on moving day. As there are four house moves in the chain then I'd be worried about this too but it's not really my problem is it.

Any words of wisdom and if it's an easy 'no' then how can I explain this without offending her.

OP posts:

Madre123 · 25/03/2022 10:03

ABSOLUTELY NOT........

Bunty55 · 25/03/2022 10:35

When we moved house 12 years ago from a large house to another large house, I asked the vendor if I could put things in the garage as I was dreading the day knowing how much bloody stuff we had to shift.
She said 'No' but when I asked if I could place some things into the back garden at my own risk, she agreed.

I took all the outside pots of flowers etc and garden stuff and put it all round the back. It was nowhere near the property and I was eternally grateful.

It saved at least one journey and a lot of time

MrsSkylerWhite · 25/03/2022 10:40

Firm no.

MotherofAutism · 25/03/2022 10:49

@DoubleTweenQueen

So how will she move stuff into your house if she doesn't have the van until moving day? If it's by car, can't she also do that later on moving day if she's run out of time with the van? Surely she won't have a huge amount of stuff/furniture if a ftb, so should have enough time on moving day? If not, can't she hire the van for longer? So many questions

What everyone else has said - no!

Surely she won't have a huge amount of stuff/furniture if a ftb

The stereotyping here is some of the worst I've seen on mumsnet. Wow!

Love, I've been renting since 2001 - that's twenty one years! If I bought a house now, I'd be classed as a FTB. I have an entire house worth of furniture just the same as any owner. How ACTUAL dare you!?

CheltenhamLady · 25/03/2022 17:06

I don't think I would have an issue with it if you make it clear that it will be at her own risk. And if the stuff won't be in your way.

We have just exchanged and have asked our seller can we put some things into the garage (the house is empty) and they have agreed.

MorrisOxford · 25/03/2022 17:57

@sarahc336

No, what if she turned round and suggested you'd damaged her stuff or tried to put a claim in etc. i feel it's just not a good idea op x

Or indeed if the cellar flooded or something.

BlueMongoose · 25/03/2022 21:06

Your solicitor will likely not be happy if you allow this. I'd be nice about it, as a FTB won't know how problematic it can be, but decline. I'd also explain why, so they know it's not just you being difficult.

DoubleTweenQueen · 26/03/2022 07:29

@MotherofAutism Do calm down. It was a question. It's a piece of string depending on lots of factors, isn't it. I rented for 16 yrs, mostly in part furnished places, and didn't have anywhere near the furniture and stuff I have now.

anniegun · 26/03/2022 07:35

Whilst you have no obligation to do this moving is pretty stressful. Hence anything you can do to be helpful will be appreciated. If there is no real downside for you why not help her out?

AgentProvocateur · 26/03/2022 07:36

It’s no different to storing boxes for a friend between moves. There’s no greater risk of fire, theft, flooding, total apocalypse just because you have someone else’s belongings in your house. What happened to helping someone out? Honestly, I hope none of you are in charge of drawing up risk assessments

PutinIsAWarCriminal · 26/03/2022 07:40

We had a problem when we exchanged, in that we couldn't move on our actual completion date. Our buyers refused to budge on the date and wouldn't allow the move to take place the next day. We spoke to the our seller (empty house) and they very kindly opened up their house for us for a couple of hours the night before completion so we could empty our house in time. We spent that night in a Premier Inn.

JustFrustrated · 26/03/2022 07:41

@DoubleTweenQueen

What everyone else has said - no!

Weird logic. Why wouldn't she have much stuff as a FTB?

You know most FTBs aren't people living with family? They're most commonly families moving out of rented accommodation, and thus have exactly the same about of stuff as a homeowner...e.g. stuff to fill a home?

jesuisavecukraine · 26/03/2022 07:55

For those saying it's not hers until moving day and think of the insurance aspect, I thought OP said exchange had taken place, (although happy to be corrected if ive misread) therefore it is now buyer's house and buyer is responsible for the insurance from date of exchange.
Buyer cannot back out now and neither can the seller so where is the harm, even if the house burnt down completion still has to take place and buyer is responsible for dealing with the house. This is why do many exchange and complete on same day.
In the past I've allowed it after exchange and also been allowed. Moving is very stressful so why is a friendly gesture so frowned upon.

DoubleTweenQueen · 26/03/2022 08:06

@JustFrustrated So odd how people enjoy taking some sort of offence. Nothing to suggest the OPs buyer has or doesn't have a family, is there? And my comment about how much stuff she had was an open question. I rented myself for a long time and am not a total idiot. Thanks.

Merrymouse · 26/03/2022 08:22

@AgentProvocateur

They aren’t friends, and barely know each other. It’s a business relationship.

From what we know, the OP does not know what will be stored, or how long the buyer will need access to the house.

The OP is also moving house, and will have their own stresses to deal with.

There us nothing to stop the buyer paying to make alternative arrangements for storage.

FurierTransform · 26/03/2022 08:51

If it's no stress or effort on your part to accommodate them coming in with their stuff, I'd definitely let them. Just email them to get a record of them agreeing to you not taking responsibility for it.

A buyer who thinks they owe you a favour is a very good thing! Who knows what nightmares might happen between now & completion.

Newestname002 · 26/03/2022 09:05

@Frazzled2207

I wouldn't set a precedent I'm afraid. Apart from the idea that, as the unknown items are in a home that you currently own (ie legally not her's) and that you'd be responsible for, what then stops her from asking you for further favours which may, or may not be convenient, as you've said yes to this request?

Easier to day that, as others have said, you'd considered it but that your solicitor had said no? Also what happens if, for whatever reason, the sale doesn't go through to completion? Is it worth the faff letting her (or others) back into your home to sort this out? What happens if the sale doesn't go through but her stuff is still there?

No, easier for her to arrange external storage.

Good luck with the next stage of your sale and purchase. 🌹

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