Pulling out of house before exchange?

[p0ppyx]

I am sure I will get lots of mixed opinions on this. We have been stuck in a chain for the last 7 months and finally got an exchange and completion date for next month. However we have come across planning permission approvals to add parking to a block of flats that is next to the house. There is currently a hedge next to an access way which goes down the side of the house which provides some privacy between the house and the flats and this hedge is to be replaced with 6 parking spaces. The spaces would have to be accessed by driving round our house and the spaces will be directly opposite the front door and kitchen window. This has really worried us about losing privacy and the added noise around our house. We are also concerned this will put people off when we come to sell it as I feel it would put me off personally.

Are we absolutely awful people to pull out at this point? I would feel so awful, our seller has been lovely and helpful through this whole process.

sorry typo in my last post

It appears that the seller isn't so nice after all as they deliberately with held this important information from you. Surely this should also have been picked up when you did the searches.
Anyway, don't feel at all bad about pulling out. It has only just come to your attention and it doesn't sound as if you would offered if you had known about the plans.

I wasn't trying to be patronising, just pointing out that there is something to think about. Not everyone knows the full ins and outs of housebuying nor can think of practicalities in the emotion of house purchase or pulling out of one. That's all.

Well they really are top trumps of CF's.
YANBU

Bit naughty this has not been disclosed then! I wouldn't feel guilty at all for pulling out.

What??

Maybe don’t use this solicitor when you do buy a property op?

Pretty sure you have to declare such things when you’re selling. Your sellers haven’t been honest. Probably why they’re moving. If this is an absolute game changer then pull out, it’s just a shame others will suffer because of their dishonesty 😢

Just re-read the OP, the seller has been lovely? 😳😳

Are we absolutely awful people to pull out at this point? I would feel so awful, our seller has been lovely and helpful through this whole process

She has probably been lovely as she is desperate for you to buy her house before work on the parking starts and then her house price will plummet! Pull out!

In what way has the seller demonstrated this loveliness Op?

In which case pull out. The vendor knew it would not be good and objected. So you're down 350 quid. This is nothing in the scheme of things

She told us she took our lower offer as she wanted it to be a family home, gave us her number so we could visit any time we wanted and agreed to break the chain so we could get in quicker which at the time I took at face value as her being a nice person, obviously now this has all come to light I realise the genuine reasons behind this and won’t be so naive in the future

I can't imagine the scenario without a diagram but it seems a bit OTT after all this time. Were you already having second thoughts and this is giving you an out?

Bloody hell this woman was desperate to sell asap

how long has it been on the market out of interest?

when did you put your offer in?

Do you have a partner Op or are you buying alone?

I've only read your posts OP but have you pulled out yet? The sooner the better. The seller hasn't been honest, but then what seller ever is 100%. If the idea upsets you now and I totally understand, then it will most likely worsen. You're making it worse if you wait longer.

Agreed we are pulling out today, I do still feel awful about it regardless of her having not told us about this as there will be other people in the chain affected but you can’t buy a house that’s not right because you feel bad.

you can only have offered very recently of total solicitor bill a mere £350

dont let it keep you up at night Op!

I would also feel sad about the other people affected because they’ve done nothing wrong, but your seller has acted in very bad faith so no guilt there at all. I’m sorry you’re in this position but glad you’re pulling out, for your own sake.

It was up for 2 months, our offer was accepted in October and I am buying with my partner.

He has done everything up to point of exchange, also very surprised it is only £350 but I’m not going to argue it! Will definitely be using a different solicitor when we find somewhere else

I would pull out that plus building noise from the new flats - no not for me

I don't think your conveyancing solicitor has covered himself in glory either OP. He should absolutely have brought this to your attention. Maybe that's why he's only charging you £350? Don't use him next time. Definitely right to pull out of this purchase.

Just think that some people won't be bothered by it at all and the seller will have to wait until she finds a buyer like that. Not point in allowing yourself to be feeling guilty, just concentrate on being sure you're doing the right thing and be relieved. Better luck with the next one.