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Original poster

Flat buyer persistently messaging post completion

199 replies

Angelwithhalo · 09/05/2024 09:47

I sold my flat in February and during the conveyancing exchanged numbers with the buyer at their request to directly negotiate a price reduction for works. On completion I left a folder with detailed instructions of how to use all the integrated appliances, utility meter locations, boiler manual and service history, bin days etc in the kitchen along with a new home card and thought that would be the end of contact between us.

However I have been having a steady stream of texts and queries from the buyer. Some of it is simple things like clarification on how to work the boiler, which water meter belongs to the flat. Others just seems like them complaining but posed as a question for example:
The internet connection doesn’t reach the main bedroom, how did we deal with that inconvenience?
What did we do about windows feel draughty and letting on street noise (windows are original wooden sash and on a busy main road which was apparent before buying)
The lounge smells strongly of damp, did you notice this? (I gave them 5k off agreed price after they had a damp survey)
Complaints about hearing the owner of the flat above moving around (Again it’s a converted period property so I could hear them but just a single adult so occasional footsteps and washing machine, no parties or late nights/early mornings)

There have been lots of other questions and at first I was responsive as I felt bad that the buyer seemed unhappy with the flat and sympathetic to them as a first time buyer but it feels a bit relentless and I’m not sure what the motive is behind messaging me.

Has anyone else experienced this/is this common?
Any advice for dealing with this, I would be tempted to ignore but we are still in the same town so dont want the awkwardness of bumping into them.

OP posts:
WetBandits · 09/05/2024 09:50

Just block them!

sweetpickle2 · 09/05/2024 09:51

We had this with our buyers, admittedly they had our email not our phone number. As soon as we'd completed and I'd emailed them the list of where the meters are and how the boiler works etc, I blocked them. They'd been nothing but a pain in the arse through the entire process, I knew they'd be the same afterwards too. Once the property has completed it's no longer your problem!

MrsJamin · 09/05/2024 09:52

We had this but just stopped replying, ftbs probably still don't really understand that you're by yourself once you own it. They stopped asking once we stopped replying. If it gets too much and they don't get the hint, just block.

DancingFerret · 09/05/2024 09:53

Either stop replying or simply block. Life's too short.

MrsDanversGlidesAgain · 09/05/2024 09:54

Did they rent before? it sounds like they think they still are and that you're the landlord they complain to.

Ignore and/or block.

Peonies12 · 09/05/2024 09:54

We had this, the buyers kept messaging via the Purple bricks website who we sold through, including Qs like what the paint colour was!! I initially sent very short almost rude replies, then just stopped reply and deleted my PB account

harriethoyle · 09/05/2024 09:57

Just block them. You're not their housekeeper!

TokyoSushi · 09/05/2024 09:58

We've had this, I just did a gradual fade, taking longer to reply and then not replying at all!

Original poster
Angelwithhalo · 09/05/2024 09:58

Yes they were renters before. It definitely feels like they haven’t differentiated between a house seer and a landlord. It’s my first time selling so
I guess I was unsure of what normal etiquette was.

OP posts:
GerbilsForever24 · 09/05/2024 10:00

Yup, just ignore them now. You've been kind and helpful, but it's time to stop. You don't owe them anything. If there are noises or windows or appliances they don't like, it's up to them to sort them out.

I would just not respond at all. Hopefully they'll get the message. If they keep on, you could send a message saying, "I'm sorry, I can't help you with any of these. This is your flat now and I'm sure you'll find a solution that works for you." and leave it at that. But hopefully just ignoring will do the trick.

pinkdelight · 09/05/2024 10:01

You need to draw the line nicely but firmly. Something like: "Glad I've been able to help/advise while you settled in, but it's your flat now so I'm going to stop replying and let you get on with it. All the best."

pinkdelight · 09/05/2024 10:01

And then block if they persist

DistinguishedSocialCommentator · 09/05/2024 10:02

Ignore - simples - you've done more than you bit - move on and BLOCK

Normandy144 · 09/05/2024 10:02

This isn't normal. You've done more than enough for them. You can either completely block them or if you still want to be polite for the reasons you suggest, then just send really vague replies that don't really answer their questions, along the lines of that you can't remember because it's been so long since you MOVED OUT! Don't be prompt in replying and gradually phase them out. None of this is your responsibility, they own the flat and they need to figure it out.

NisekoWhistler · 09/05/2024 10:03

As everyone else has said just block them

Xiaoxiong · 09/05/2024 10:06

Sounds like they think you're their landlord and will come and sort these things out for them! @pinkdelight 's response is best.

Original poster
Angelwithhalo · 09/05/2024 10:11

Thank you for all the responses, glad to know it isn’t just me finding it weird. I think if when they message again I’ll go for the vague fade out approach then block if they persist. There isn’t really anything else they can ask about now anyway.
I guess I was worried about bumping into them
and it being awkward if I’d blocked but I think blocking is the only way forwards if it continues.
I was worried they were complaining to set the scene to try and claim some sort of compensation post completion however I think from your replies it’s more likely they are FTB not fully understanding how home owning works compared to renting

OP posts:
GerbilsForever24 · 09/05/2024 10:13

Yes, I think probably just being silly. DH and I were in touch with the previous owner of our house a couple of times but I remember quickly realising that we needed to suck it up and figure it out ourselves. Sounds like your buyers didn't get the message as quickly as we did!

friendlycat · 09/05/2024 10:17

I feel for you. I had one of these as well when selling my first flat but perhaps not quite as bad as yours. He even contacted me 5 years later to say the boiler had broken did I have a guarantee?

You have been kind, but they don't understand that they are now the owners and you are not their landlord. They need to transition to being responsible for everything even their decision making and critical thinking.

You can do the slow fade, or even bring it to a close now with just not responding any more. Or a simple message such as

"Now that you are the proud owners of the flat, these really are decisions that you need to make yourselves. I hope you enjoy living there as much as I did, but I really don't think I can help you any further now."

sweetpickle2 · 09/05/2024 10:17

I wouldn't worry about them trying to claim compensation- they wouldn't have any legal basis to do this, no matter what was "wrong". Assuming you're in England, the law is buyer beware- so even if the walls were falling down, it would be their problem now.

TaleOfJimberlysMassiveTitties · 09/05/2024 10:22

If they’re WhatsApping just put them on mute or archive.

Original poster
Angelwithhalo · 09/05/2024 10:26

friendlycat · 09/05/2024 10:17

I feel for you. I had one of these as well when selling my first flat but perhaps not quite as bad as yours. He even contacted me 5 years later to say the boiler had broken did I have a guarantee?

You have been kind, but they don't understand that they are now the owners and you are not their landlord. They need to transition to being responsible for everything even their decision making and critical thinking.

You can do the slow fade, or even bring it to a close now with just not responding any more. Or a simple message such as

"Now that you are the proud owners of the flat, these really are decisions that you need to make yourselves. I hope you enjoy living there as much as I did, but I really don't think I can help you any further now."

I mean if yours contacted you 5 years later you definitely win for most persistent buyer!

OP posts:
whatthejuice · 09/05/2024 10:27

Block!

ShadesofPoachedSmoke · 09/05/2024 11:03

I think sending something like @pinkdelight reply is a kind thing to do, but still makes the point.

HauntedPencil · 09/05/2024 11:29

Yeah definitely! I wouldn't mind a message or two in the first few days but I'd block now.

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