Buyer has entered property pre exchange and started renovation

[Iwishiwasjoking]

We were supposed to exchnage last week, then yesterday, now the proposal is exchange and complete tomorrow, all delays on buyers side told its mortgage company releasing fund.

property was vacated last week, but I removed the last items yesterday. Went back this evening to do a meter reading. Garden dug up, carpets ripped out, all windows open, lights on.

I am so shocked I have no idea what to do now …technically is burglary … but if this sale falls through I have a much less saleable house …

and before you ask how has he got in, there was a lockbox with keys in that the estate agents have been using … so either they’ve shared the code with him or he’s watched them and then let himself in.

I feel sorry for the OP's old neighbours if their new neighbours are as piss taking as this.

Our friend ( late 30's) renovated her house last year and had the whole house re-plastered.....then promptly papered the whole of the upstairs in woodchip! We of course all said how lovely it was whilst secretly thinking wtf she was thinking lol. Each to their own I guess.

I think the EA could give the OP a reduction on their fee as a gesture of goodwill. As for the CF buyer, I think I would have to give them a piece of my mind now the deal is done. I'd have been tempted to make them collect the keys from me after completion!

If you negotiate a different price and the buyer is getting a mortgage, that delays things with the mortgage company, which is what it sounds as though may have happened here.

Another one lmao. Can picture you all sitting in your Mrs Hinch living rooms with your woodpanelled houses and nicked mismatched bricks.

Has the EA spoken to the buyer and gotten an explanation of how they got into the house in the first place? They either had a key, broke in or the EA left the house unlocked.

As per the OP, the key was in a key box. So the EA left the key box unlocked, gave the buyers the code, or the buyers clocked the code as it was being entered.

I'm glad to hear that the sale completed. I don't see any point pursuing a legal route for compensation, but I might be inclined to give the EA a poor online review based on them allowing the buyers to access the property and / or not securing it adequately. Perhaps mentioning this possibility might persuade them to reduce their bill.

Sure sure. My question was what explanation did the buyer give the EA for gaining access to the house though.

This is NOT the proper way for a buyer to behave!! In fact, this is wrong. I guess, you'll have a claim on the EA if things go wrong. I'm keeping my fingers crossed for you for tomorrow!!

It’s not the estate agents who sort exchange out though….

Police

It helps to check the date of posts because OP completed a couple of days ago...

I'd have been tempted to change the locks!

I absolutely disagree, she could have taken them and the EA to court. Instead she just wasn't careful when entering her own house to get her own property. Plus a little bit of revenge for their breaking the law lmao

This, estate agents are just the thickest bunch of people I've ever met

OK, maybe the garage door opening was OTT, but I do stand by the rest of what I said!

The exchange has better have happened or they'd know the full weight of my wrath today!

I wonder which firm of estate agents is in question here 🧐

could it be the largest estate agents firm? Just asking for a friend 🤔

I expect the agent wont give a flying f* They just want their commission and'll give you some limp excuse and the all to often heard 'Sorry About That' denying all knowledge and responsibility. After all E.A. have a reputation to live down to. Good luck and I hope you complete without further delays or complications

And also advise the estate agents you would be suing them as accomplices and for being complicit in the 'buyers' activities as well as informing the local 'rag' the publicity would be more damaging.

In very simple terms - that is illegal. They can negotiate access following exchange provided that nothing too serious (structural) is done. Speak to your solicitor - quickly

She emailed her solicitor 2 days ago and exchanged and completed yesterday.

The only concern I’d have is that the original buyers could have moved, be renting it out etc. If it’s definitely still the same CFs, carry on.

Just had similar experience with new neighbours. I’m afraid people are just out for themselves these days. People on mumsnet will tell you that this is normal but they will most probably have done this themselves so are no moral compass. I hope your move goes smoothly and that you have a lovely time in your new home.

I would talk to your solicitor about withholding the estate agent's fees. They have let you down very badly. I doubt they would want to go to court to try and get their fees and have it in the local paper as they must have given the buyers the keys.