Sellers not leaving items as stated on F&C form

[redpickle]

We're close to exchange on our purchase and we went to visit the property one last time yesterday. On a previous visit the seller had said they were leaving a garden dining table and chairs and a bench and this is also included in the Fittings and Contents Form. However when we got there the dining set was gone and the owner said to the person I was with that the bench was being taken by a relative this week.
Where do we stand on this? I'm not sure if it's worth raising it with our solicitor. The seller said informally that there are some other things they are leaving so it seems a bit grabby to ask for these other items but also annoying that we'd expected not to have to buy garden furniture but will now have to.

Speak to your solicitor and ask that they pay to replace the garden furniture. That’s not right.

I honestly wouldn’t bother with stuff like garden furniture. It’s not standard stuff on a fixtures list anyway - why cause delays by quibbling about it? It’s not like they are ripping cabinets off the wall or anything.

I would speak to your solicitor. You don't know what else on the F&F they will suddenly decide to remove!

The relative can be told that the bench isn't theirs to give away - they've sold it to you as part of the sale.

Definitely raise it, and ask for it to either be replaced, a reduction in price, or cash to replace.

I'd worry that they aren't taking that list seriously and they can just make thing up as you go along. This is definitely something you should raise now before completion otherwise you might find yourself with other things missing.

@MrsJamin

I'd worry that they aren't taking that list seriously and they can just make thing up as you go along. This is definitely something you should raise now before completion otherwise you might find yourself with other things missing.

I agree it’s not a huge deal to be without a few garden chairs but I’d be wary about them thinking they can just do what they like regardless of what they have already stated. I’d raise it just to clarify with them what they have agreed to

They have to return it or replace with similar (quality, age)

Did your not raise it with the owner at the time? Agree it's not worth a fuss in its self but might point to there being other issues that are.