Would you send the structural survey to the EA & vendor ?

[Popcornshovel]

I really need your help MN’ers. I’ve had a structural survey on a property which has come back with 15 urgent repairs including Wet rot (confirmed by damp specialist) roof & timber repairs and a lot of other things requiring urgent attention.

It’s a tricky purchase if I’m honest. Marriage breakdown and wife wanted to buy the husband out but couldn’t afford to!

After talks with EA and sending over some screen grabs from the survey, the vendor agreed to allow specialists to go in to price up work. (Master builders from check a trade as recommended by the surveyor who called me to tell me these issues need checking by qualified people before I proceed)

The property is empty and I got the quotes back last week. Sent an email to EA and vendor was happy to renegotiate according to the quotes. (Property is owned by him and he gets the final say on everything.) We compromised on a reduction I was happy with (not the full cost and not all repairs had been quoted)

New purchase price agreed, updated memorandum sent to my solictor to proceed with purchase. Then the next day EA called to say the wife wants a copy if the survey and quotes as she can get the jobs done cheaper? To be honest I’m not happy about that as she could send in Bob the builder from down the road to botch up jobs that need qualified tradesmen to repair? I’m talking structural cracking failing RSJ’s not just simple things and most importantly wet rot throughout the ground floor of this house? WWYD if you were me? Would you send the survey, or pull out of the purchase? 😰 I’m so torn in what to do 🫣

I'm sure that's super frustrating!

My concern would be that this should be simple. If she has no legal claim at all, the vendor has the power to tell his wife where to go and that he has negotiated and that's that. If he's not done that and done it pretty quick then this is going to remain messy all the way through. This all sounds far too much hassle and it's not like you're getting a bargain - it's a massive undertaking with financial risk.

Ok so I waiting until 17:35 to be told they can’t reach the vendor (since Monday? Ok then) and the wife is going to get some builders in for quotes and to confirm that work needs doing. The EA says it’s “for peace of mind” 😅😩 I just said ok so she’s claiming the surveyor is a liar or incompetent … she just tried to give me the spiel… so now I’m looking for another house but nothing is coming on! I told them I’m happy to withdraw, just need to have confirmation from the husband. In all honesty I can’t be arsed. I could plant 12 magnolias and establish them well I. The length of time this is taking! 😏

That’s awful - I’m sorry. Are you in a chain? Or is this purchase standalone?

I told them I’m happy to withdraw, just need to have confirmation from the husband.

You don’t even need anything from the husband- you can tell the EA that you ARE withdrawing. Then they’ll pull their finger out to contact him, I’ll bet.

If I were you I’d email the EA now to confirm you’ll be pulling out of the sale if the agreed price negotiated isn’t confirmed to you by 12 o’clock, and an exchange and completion date agreed.

Then mentally detach yourself and what will be will be.

I would end the misery by withdrawing immediately.

I wouldn't discuss it, or explain anything to EA, just withdraw.

By continuing to discuss things, they think they can treat you however they want. It's unreasonable that they haven't made sorting this out a priority, fuck them.

You'll feel huge relief!

I withdrew from the purchase through email last night at around 18:30pm and I’ve not heard a dicky bird today. Property still shows as SSTC. Not even a courtesy call after spending over a thousand pound on a property that was never going to be sold in the first place! I have booked to view two properties next week. 🤞🏼

If you’re looking to purchase a property from a couple who are divorcing all I can say is proceed with extreme caution!

Good luck, @Popcornshovel - you've made the right decision! You'll be comfortable that it was the correct decision soon enough, if you aren't already - they may regret theirs soon enough!

Finger's crossed for the viewings next week!

I really think you've done the right thing. That's shocking they haven't even been in touch today. I wonder if you've lit a fire up their arse and they're trying to salvage something. Far too late!

I was messed about too by vendors that were divorcing - it never did go through, just felt like such a waste of time and energy.

There will be a better property for you and it'll be far less stressful, you'll be relieved in the end - keep us updated!

Best of luck and 🤞 you get a dream house