Flat buyer persistently messaging post completion

[Angelwithhalo]

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.

Or they could have googled it and then bought a WiFi extender for £20 from Argos.

How?! The new owners would have their own Wi-Fi contract!

I'd just message back each time: "Yes, that's why we sold it!"

😂😂😂

Definitely stop answering now, because if they aren't just clueless FTB and have buyer's remorse that they're itching to lay at your feet, it's just going to get worse.

My parents sold a holiday house overseas.
It came with some furniture agreed between both.
While the sale was going through, they had the contact details of the local person who was the trouble shooter for us when it was a holiday cottage rental, let's call her Sam.

The purchasers were also British. Wanting to use it as a mix of family holidays and a holiday rental.

They were difficult all through the sale. But in the month after the sale they pestered Sam constantly, with things that they couldn't work out, things that you might call out someone if you were in a holiday rental.
Where was the kettle? (er it wasn't part of the agreed furniture remaining)
Light bulbs needed changing
couldn't work the hot water
where was the pool guy? (er, it's your pool, you need to take out a cleaning contract with a pool company or do it yourself?)

The final straw was when the iron broke and they wanted Sam to come and replace it! IT WAS THEIR IRON!

They seemed to think that they had bought a hotel room, or a condo with a manager included etc. The house was clearly just a house for sale, not part of anything.

They were really upset when Sam told them politely to get lost!

Time to block @Angelwithhalo

For me, the well of goodwill would have run dry now.

We were messaging the owner of our current house for longer than this, but wouldn't have dreamt of commenting on anything negative. We were only asking factual questions.

Just stop replying, they are being ridiculous. Do they think you are their landlord or something?!! They own the flat now, it's entirely their problem, not yours.

I would nip it in the bud rather than slow fade. Something like :
"Hi buyers, as owners of the flat, these are all decisions you need to make for yourself. I am unable to help with any of your queries so I suggest you seek alternative sources of advice."

I didn’t know people did this. I have always used an estate agent and never had direct contact with the buyer/seller. I have never been given any extra info by the seller.

Block em !

Set up an auto-reply to their messages:

"Thank you for your query regarding 'property address'. I am no longer affiliated with this property. All queries regarding this property should now be addressed to the current owners who can be contacted at: 'annoying buyers email address'.

I think I'd be laughing at the whining by now. They sound ridiculous. Even if you were the landlord, the bulk of these would be ridiculous.

I'd message them back telling them that the purchase was completed on XX date and that access to an ongoing support line wasn't included in the agreed price.

I would tell them they will have to go to the estate agent with any further concerns and block them.

What did they want money for?

I was going to say this. I sold a house to FTBs who wanted it professionally cleaned before we completed. Again, something they would get with renting but not with buying.

I would go with friendly but firm like @pinkdelight ’s message.

we are still in touch with our sellers and we gave our buyers our numbers. We drop round the odd bit of post to the sellers (who moved a mile or so away) and I’m sure they would be fine with a “hey, we need to touch up the kitchen, can you remember what colour the paint was?” query. But we also helped them by storing a couple of bits for a few days when removers were being arsey, so quid pro quo.

Constant whinging messages though… no!

Why on earth would this not be the new owners responsibility??

I love this -m perfect 👌

Not buying but renting, I had this with the previous tenant. She kept getting parcels sent here and wanting to collect them from me. I had a newborn and this was during Covid, she complained every time I left them on the porch in case they get stolen. It was stupid stuff like free Covid tests (which I’m pretty sure you entered the address for). We have cameras and a long driveway. In the end I told her I wasn’t a post office and politely to p* off. She left me alone after that.

Lol!

They could have done a quick Google themselves and found out they needed to buy a WiFi booster/extender.

That's what a normal human being would do.

OP, I had the same but about 20 years ago! FTB bought my characterful Victorian period conversion complete with original sash windows (conservation area) and original fireplaces. They knew they had someone living above them on the first floor. They knew I had an over-bath shower: they'd inspected the property a number of times.

For a year or more after they moved in they'd send texts every few weeks grumbling about the neighbour upstairs (who wasn't noisy but was 'there' IYKWIM), about draughts, about the cost of heating, even about the modest annual service charge — as if I was profiting from them. They even sent me a text on one memorable occasion saying they'd have preferred a large walk-in shower to the bath. I stopped responding. I hope they grew up.

I actually wonder about the brain power of some MN posters.

BLOCK for the love of god.

Rude, aren’t you?

OP has said she sometimes sees them around town. Much better to draw a line with a polite “not my problem” than just block and then bump into them.