Pictures on a viewing

[SeekingLegalHelp]

We had a house viewing in the dark and loved the house. I viewed the next day whilst DH was at work in natural light and noticed some issues. Some minor that wouldn’t affect our offer but others I wasn’t sure if it would be a sign of something bigger, e.g. Ivy on the outside, trees I don’t know the names of that I would have liked to do my research on etc. I wanted to take pictures and videos so 1. I could show DH and we could assess the extent of the work and 2. I had reference photographs to look at and plan for the move. Vendor said no photos and no videos and stayed with us in each room of the house.

Is this normal? It feels like a red flag but I trust mumsnet to tell me if I’m being unreasonable.

We offered this morning before the second viewing (silly, I know) but I feel like retracting after that second viewing

Fairly standard. We are selling and asked for no photos or videos taken in our house mainly because we have lots of family photos on display and children's artwork and certificates with names and schools on, which our EA blurred out online. We've also respected that in the houes that we've viewed as well when asked not to take photos and vidoes. Ultimately when you get a survey done if they accept your offer, that is going to pick up far more and give you leverage to negotiate, than a few things you've seen in the daylight.

I wouldn’t say no personally, but ours will definitely need work doing and I want potential buyers to understand what they’re taking on.

Not normal in my experience. When I was looking last year, I always asked if it was OK to take photos and no-one refused. Like you, I wanted to take photos of potential issues/work needing done. I wasn't snapping multiple pictures in each room for the fun of it.
I think if someone is trying to sell a house and wants to ban photos, they need to get over themselves. People aren't going to do anything sinister with the photos, they're just for reference.

When we bought our current house we took loads of photos and video before making an offer. DS is currently viewing properties with his gf and they regularly send me photos/video.

I presumed this was normal. Surely given how much prep is needed to get a home ready for viewing, it wouldn't take long to remove any photos?

Of course you can’t , as standard, take pictures whilst wondering around a strangers house.
You could be a potential burglar or anything !

The seller was absolutely giving you a sensible No to that request OP

If you're viewing a mansion with lots of valuable antiques on display maybe ...

Agree
but also worth noting it’s not just the personal stuff it’s
window and door locks
expensive artwork
antiques
etc

What about the window and door locks as well.

Its unreasonable to think, as a stranger, you can take photos inside someone’s house. You’re not even allowed to take photos of the outside whilst standing on private land without the owners permission.

I think OP, if there were things that cropped up in the second viewing that you wanted to show your dh he should book a viewing.

I live in an ordinary house in an ordinary area but am fortunate enough to have some valuable modern paintings (c£10k each) given me by a well-known artist, who was a personal friend . I don't want complete strangers taking photos in my house. If your DH needs to see things he can book a viewing.

If you’re fairly anxious buyers and have things you’re concerned about, you need to commission the highest level survey and perhaps agree a second viewing where you pay a builder to do a walk through with you to highlight any structural issues they think are particular flags: as a seller I’d be more than happy to allow the latter, especially as the investment on your part implies you’re fairly serious about the property. I’d also be happy to take and send you photos of e.g. the interior of the loft or the boiler to show you their condition. But it would be a no to letting complete strangers take their own videos and photos of the interior of my home.

I wouldn't agree either, they don't know you from Adam.

Ivy is easily dealt with, just chop it off at the ground and leave it to die and then you can easily pull it down.

I was rather taken aback when buyers (I think second viewing) were wandering around upstairs and taking photos without asking but regard it as a blip/generational thing because actually they're a really nice couple and we're still in touch.

Also OP, unless any of the people involved are builders or surveyors or trades etc who can know what they’re looking at, photos aren’t of much use anyway. All you’re going to be able to do as laypeople is fret about whether that crack in the wall is sinister, or whether those air bricks should be where they are, or whether ivy needs removing, have a Google, read a range of random views, have no idea which are correct or whether they apply to the particular property in question, and end up waiting to hear what your surveyor says anyway - because ultimately, theirs is the only opinion which carries any legal weight and offers a stepping stone for negotiation.

I wouldn’t be happy about that - total strangers taking photos of my house!

This.

You could also ask the seller what sort of trees they are

I’ve sold 5 properties and tbh I would not have been happy if buyers or potential buyers asked to take photos of the inside of my property. None did.