Deal breaker - large fish pond and hot tub?

[soupsong]

I have seen a house I like and it has a lovely garden. However it has a large working pond with massive fish plus a full size hot tub. I know zero about keeping fish and don’t know if the hot tub even works at this stage.

Owner wants to leave both. I get that for some people this would be a bonus but I’m not sure I want either tbh. I know my DC would love the hot tub but in the current financial climate not sure I could afford to run it even if it is in full working order.
That then of course raises the issue of removal and costs etc. same goes for the pond.

Would this out you off buying?

Seriously, the things that put some people off houses?!

If the house is otherwise perfect then a hot tub and fish pond can easily be got rid of if you don’t want them. You might even get some money for the hot tub and fish.

What @KievLoverTwo says. If you are being left an asset, make sure it is an asset and that it is part of your contract.

If the estate agent is a bit dozy and says “she’ll be right”, get it nailed down in the contract.

We've not discussed the pond or hot tub with anyone, so it's unlikely to be us. But... we'll be selling the Koi. So the empty pond won't use electricity and can be left, filled in, whatever. Our would make a good natural dipping pool in summer.

And the hot tub, if we don't sell it, you could. Same way we bought it and moved it here.

I’m on my own and have to watch every penny. I don’t have an issue as such with either item but If they are expensive to maintain or remove I have to go into it with my eyes open.

We used a hot tub mover company, it wasn't hugely expensive, cost would be on the buyer.

Some manufacturers will buy them back - worth considering.

I agree. :(

Photograph the fish!!

(bit extreme, I know - but I am a bit extreme, you might not want to be :)

I would keep the pond initially and see how you get on. I absolutely love having a pond. After a busy day at work I just sit beside it and watch the wildlife. It is so therapeutic. The fish have babies, the newts have babies, the snails too. Birds love it, dragon flies love it. My fish are smaller and can happily survive without me feeding them but I chuck in a bit of food every few days. Mine has I filter or pump but magically keeps itself clean. I think the snails and pond weed must do that. I annually use a net to remove sludge that had built up on the bottom but otherwise it is pretty low maintenance.

If you make an offer make it with the condition that hot tub is removed before completion.

Sorry OP, but this in spades.