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Original poster

Should we approach the seller re house ‘swap’?

26 replies

Chiikichik · 07/02/2023 20:09

Viewed our potential ‘forever home’ yesterday, only for the seller to change their mind and take it off the market. They are looking to downsize and what they are going to buy they have decided to pull out due to its location. The house however is very similar to ours which is in a much better location. So ours is a higher value than what they were looking at, but if we were buying theirs then perhaps an agreement can be reached?

Would it be unreasonable for us to pop a note through her door and explain that we love their house and we might potentially have a house that they are looking for? Then just leave our contact number?

anyone done a house ‘swap’ where it’s worked out?

OP posts:
Whatevergetsyouthroughthenight · 07/02/2023 20:10

Can’t do any harm!

good96 · 07/02/2023 22:58

All depends if they like your current house and area.

Original poster
Chiikichik · 08/02/2023 05:16

Yes I would say in the note where it was and whether they would like to take a look. I guess all they can do is bin the note!

OP posts:
Screwedupworld · 08/02/2023 06:44

Definitely worth a try. Worst they can do is like you said and bin the note.

2023istheyearigetmyacttogether · 08/02/2023 07:00

I agree it can't do any harm but, if your house is already on the market, won't they have had a chance to consider it anyway?

4thonthe4th · 08/02/2023 07:02

Surely they’ve seen your house online if it’s for sale and what they’re looking for?

WeAreTheHeroes · 08/02/2023 07:04

You've nothing to lose. I know someone who downsized and bought the house of the couple who bought their bigger place.

Fizbosshoes · 08/02/2023 07:07

My neighbour did this, she was downsizing and the she moved in to the house of the people who bought hers. AFAIK both parties are happy. I'm not sure who instigated the idea but it meant they could be fairly flexible about a moving date because no others were involved

TheNoonBell · 08/02/2023 11:13

If you don't ask you will never know.

Original poster
Chiikichik · 08/02/2023 13:31

Ours is just going on the market - I know there’s a whole another thread on this but we were able to view given ours was ready to go!

nice to hear some stories where it worked out, you never know and so worth a try!

OP posts:
Hopealong · 08/02/2023 16:08

I did it.

We had been in a chain and when one person at the bottom of the chain dropped out, I approached the vendor of the house we were buying. Knew he was downsizing and suggested that he come and see the house we were selling. About 3 weeks later we completed on purchase of each others house.

I remember having a glass of wine to have the courage to make the phone call!

Chenford · 08/02/2023 16:11

DH and I were in the process of doing this - it fell through because the house we were buying had some dodgy paperwork but in principle, it was going to work out great.

Pop a note through the door, OP - you never know!

TennisWithDeborah · 08/02/2023 16:25

I really can’t see a downside to this. Good luck.

sonjadog · 08/02/2023 16:27

Sure, why not? The worst that can happen is that they say no or bin the note.

Saz12 · 08/02/2023 17:57

Go for it - add a “obviously it might not suit you..” type comment so you don’t look like you’ll be pushy.

Original poster
Chiikichik · 08/02/2023 21:13

Popped the note in! Like you say you never know! If anyone has any more positive stories of this I would love to hear!

We loved the house so much so trying not to get my hopes up!

OP posts:
CellophaneFlower · 11/02/2023 12:53

Any news?

Original poster
Chiikichik · 11/02/2023 13:24

we heard nothing further unfortunately! Alas it wasn’t to be…

hoping something else comes up soon, still think about that house!

OP posts:
CellophaneFlower · 11/02/2023 13:31

It's only been a few days, you never know!

Fingers crossed for something even better to come along soon.

Johnnysgirl · 11/02/2023 14:54

They sound a bit flaky, pulling out of a purchase due to location Confused
It hardly changed since they offered on it. I hope it all goes smoothly for you, op 😬

Original poster
Chiikichik · 11/02/2023 18:58

Thank you @CellophaneFlower

OP posts:
Original poster
Chiikichik · 11/02/2023 18:59

Thank you @Johnnysgirl

I think it’s very much what’s meant to be will be when it comes to houses.

OP posts:
SingingSands · 11/02/2023 19:37

This worked for a neighbour of mine. I don't know the ins and outs of the financials, but both are very happy with their swap!

2bazookas · 11/02/2023 19:42

No harm asking, but "The house however is very similar to ours" doesn't suggest yours would be a downsize for them, which is what they want.

Johnnysgirl · 11/02/2023 20:05

2bazookas · 11/02/2023 19:42

No harm asking, but "The house however is very similar to ours" doesn't suggest yours would be a downsize for them, which is what they want.

The house they were looking to buy, but pulled out of?