Would this ring alarm bells?

[HollyDollyDolally]

We have made an offer on a property today and whilst showing a friend the house online, noticed the house was only purchased by current owners in October and then put back on the market in March.

The property is in Wales and is advertised as a second home, so I'm thinking it could be the article 4 introduction at the start of the year that has made the property unaffordable but have no way to confirm this. EA just said it's a second property/holiday home that's not needed.

Would this put you off?

It's still the same house you looked at before, and liked. Just look very carefully at the things that are important to you....check with the local planning department for any requested development, full structural survey, environmental efficiency, things like parking etc.

If the previous owners had it from Oct - March before selling, they didn't go through a summer there so it sounds more likely that it was unaffordable for them, or they found the travel to be too much, or they did a quick renovation to make some money.

Look for an old listing, compare prices and decor. Talk to the locals in the nearest pub. Someone will know.

No it wouldn’t put me off - some people buy property and their circumstances change afterwards.

I would get a full survey done though (goes without saying) to ensure there is no subsidence with the property.

I know someone who completed on a house purchase, and then put it on the market two weeks later because of change of circumstances at the time. It does happen.

I would be asking the old owners (if you can train them down on SM behind the estate agents back) why the house was sold so quickly by them.

The council taxes and costs on keeping a second home is so high now, am not surprised they want to sell it if they cannot afford it …

Maybe the owner has financial issues.
Maybe the owners are separating.
Maybe they changed their mind.
Maybe they've flipped the property.
Maybe they have new health issues.
Maybe they are relocating unexpectedly.

There could be lots of reasons unconnected to problems.

So I think it's good to be cautious and do lots of checks but not automatically assume it's a problem.

You just never know! If someone sells after a long time it can mean something has changed for the worse near the house...

Has your offer been accepted? Second homes that are on the market are exempt from the premium council tax charge for one year. Some second home owners are marketing their homes as a tactic to avoid paying the higher charge for a year.

This !
Did you offer asking price ?