Survey results - what now?

[NuffSaidSam]

Hope this is the right section for this.

I'm in the process of buying a flat.

I've had the survey back and it's suggesting that two of the windows have reached the end of their life and need replacing. I'd like to negotiate a price reduction based on this. I've never done this before and don't know where to start.

Do I do this through my solicitors? Or do I speak to the estate agent?

How much of a reduction is reasonable? Is it even reasonable to ask for a reduction?

For info, my offer was about 8% over asking price as there were multiple interested parties. Even with the overbid it is reasonably priced for the location.

You can ask, but expect the answer to be no, especially if there were other interested parties. It’s not a major hidden structural issue that’s come up, and the sellers and estate agents may say the age of the windows is visible and was considered when they set their price.

A couple of windows potentially needing replacement is a very minor issue, and not something the seller is likely to entertain knocking money off for. Especially if there was so much interest in the house.

I very much doubt you'll get any significant money off for this and may just annoy seller enough for them to go with another buyer

You may only need to replace the glass which is a few hundred pounds.

It's a minor issue, and if you ask for money off the sellers will think you are being difficultand you may lose any goodwill. However you could say that it has been flagged up in the survey and ask if they have the FENSA guarantee. You could do this either via the solicitors or the estate agent. Probably best through the solicitor so that any response is formal.

Valuations are based on condition.

I agree. It’s a normal thing to replace in the house and houses always need some thing done. I wouldn’t request money off for this.

I wouldn't bother. The vendors will probably say no as they have other interested parties who will buy it instead. A property is worth what people are prepared to pay for it.

Thanks everyone. I don't want to lose goodwill or annoy anyone so I'll probably leave it.

I've asked the surveyor for a few extra bits of information (there was black mold on the wall where the most damaged window is but I'm not sure if this is related) and will go from there.

I think I'm just panicking that I went a bit high with my original offer!

I'd be more concerned at the mould. Did the surveyor suggest a damp survey?

This is partly my concern because it was valued (or at least on the market for) a fair bit less than I'm paying for it.

I assume you’ve checked lease length, ground rent and service charge information? When buying a flat those things would be a much bigger concern to me than a couple of old windows.

Yes, these have all been discussed and are ok/good.

It is something this obvious that I'll forget though so thanks for asking!

They didn't, according to the report there was no sign of damp, it was just the issue around the window.

I live in a flat and windows are the management committee's responsibility to pay for. Our quarterly fees cover roof, walls, sewerage, windows, gardens, cleaning common areas etc...

So do check if it definitely would be YOU needing to pay for this!

As PP pointed out it is the management company that will replace the window, and the problem with that is that you can't replace them. You can ask to see to see documents from the management company to check that maintenance is being kept up with.
Do check out the fire safety certificate if relevant.

No - it depends on the management company. I used to own a flat and it was my responsibility to organise and pay for replacement windows. I just needed permission from the management company first. That’s the situation in many blocks of flats. In other cases it can be the management company’s responsibility as you say.

Ulitimately though it’s always the leaseholders that end of paying, either directly or via management charges / major works invoices.