Second viewing concerns

[Surelyitscoffeetime]

We had an offer accepted on a house two weeks ago and took our parents to see it this morning. We knew it would need a bit of work in time but it looked so much worse today. We think it’s going to cost us more than we expected to fix the issues.

Anyone knowledgeable have any pearls of wisdom? Would it be unethical to go back and ask for money off? Or ask them to rectify some issues before exchange?

Get a homebuyers survey first and see what that suggests. Getting money off depends on what needs doing. If its just dated and needs decorating that should be obvious but if it needs re-wiring, new roof etc. that costs more but it will also depend on whether or not it is priced as a doer upper or not?

Immediate risks to house or safely, yes get them to do work or ask for money off.
Cosmetic or long term work, no.
If you want money off you'll need to back up your requests with a survey.
If you want a lower price before even doing survey I'd say that's poor form and they may well reject your offer, but as you haven't yet exchanged contracts you're perfectly within your rights to do so.

What have you seen on second viewing that’s changed your opinion on the price?

Anything that counts as personal preference is really on you to have a) spotted first time round and b) factored into your offer. I agree you need to be backed up by a survey to attempt to negotiate - a layperson saying it looked expensive on second viewing doesn’t hold much weight.

Be warned as it’s only been two weeks the vendor might feel they have nothing to lose by going back out to market, especially with the rumoured cut in stamp duty.

We just reduced our price post-survey, but it was after a full survey and two builders’ quotes, not just because the buyers reckoned it looked like hard work.

Also, owning a house can be expensive. All houses need work doing to them, and maintenance costs will need to be found. It doesn’t get talked about enough.

Thanks all. It was things more than preference. Will go ahead with the surveyor’s report and see what comes from that.