Buyers asking for a 3k reduction

[cared]

I’m selling my bungalow, and the buyers want a discount because there are no fensa certificates. My uncle, who’s a builder, replaced all the windows and doors 3 years ago. I offered to cover the cost of indemnity insurance to finalise the deal, but they declined and are now asking for a 3k reduction instead. The house has had a new boiler, rads, windows, front door, french doors at the back, new bathroom, flooring, guttering, a new driveway, and a few other minor updates. While it’s a small amount in the grand scheme of things, I feel like they’re already getting a good deal considering all the work I’ve put into the place, and honestly, I think they’re just taking the piss. AIBU to call their bluff?

So you were being cheap when you had everything redone and you're being cheap now, over 3K. That tracks..

This.

She wasn't though....all major work (electrical, gas) is certified and done professionally.

She has already reduced price by 5000.

oh yes 6 grand on windows and doors, plus the rest of the shit I’ve had done. What a stingy fucker I am 🤣

FYI I’ve spent roughly 30k on the place. You must be minted if you think that’s stingy. Send us a tenner will ya x

The replies on this thread are 50/50 which suggests if you put the house back on the market you have a 50% chance of this happening again.

My opinion is you are best getting the council out for retrospective permission - especially if you are convinced there are no issues.

Thank you @BoundaryGirl3939

@cared
We paid building control £250 a few years ago to come round to a property and check over the windows as we didn’t have fensa certs.
They issued the cert within days of the visit.
There is a slim chance they won’t confirm especially if they don’t have kite marks on the glass. In which case b control will ask you to face the glass with a film which costs a few £s / window. After you’ve done this a photo or further visit if they want is all that’s needed to get the cert

Alternatively you could offer the buyers £3k after they have had their check done by building control and if they aren’t approved and only if it costs more than £3k to upgrade like for like 🤣🤣🤣 which obviously isn’t going to happen.

How much is the indemnity insurance for it @cared ?

I'd either get that or the building control check that others have mentioned, whichever is cheaper, or thinking about it, the building control check is probably better, but that's just me guessing.

You'll need this for the next people who want to buy. Once you've done the above, I'd tell the current buyers they either accept that, or they buy a different house, then get your house back on the market. No way would I be giving them £3K off for this.

OR as you're not desperate to sell, I'd consider letting it out instead. You'll get capital growth, and if the worst happens, you still have your home to move back to if it all goes wrong with the boyfriend!

Yes there is nothing to say that these other buyers won't also flag the same issue. And also presumably they are in a chain so more could go wrong on their end.

Thanks for all the replies, I really appreciate the advice. I’ve given it more thought tonight and I’m still willing to provide the indemnity insurance, but I won’t be lowering the price any further. I already accepted 5k less than the asking price since they were first time buyers and I wanted a smooth sale, but honestly, asking for 3 grand for some missing certificates is wild to me. I feel like I’ve been more than reasonable.

I’ve invested a lot in this place, and the only thing they’ll need to do is decorate it to their taste. There’s a new driveway, heating system, bathroom, flooring, windows, and doors. It all adds up. Every house has its issues, and if someone wants a flawless home, they should really consider a new build. I believe 185k for a 3 bed bungalow with a driveway that fits 3 cars, front and back gardens, in a nice quiet area is a great deal. It’s a shame others don’t think so.

I’ll give them one more chance tomorrow, but after that, it’s going back on the market. It’s their choice if they don’t want to accept, but I won’t be pressured or bullied into taking less. They think they have me bent over a barrel but they’re wrong I’m afraid. Fortunately, I don’t have to rush as I’m moving in with my partner. Thanks 🙏

New windows and doors are major works that require certification these days (well for a decade really). Windows and doors are critical for security and safety. The OP has clearly marketed the place as renovated / nothing needs doing. That isn’t true if the windows weren’t done properly, so buyers are right to expect a reduced price. Their previous offer would have assumed all paperwork was in order, not just the bits of paperwork the OP thought important.

They were done properly. They’ve been fine for 3 years lol

Honestly you won’t really know that OP
Whats the glass?
Is it an appropriate glass given the height from the ground ?
Is it approved ?
Is it kite marked ?
Just because they are fine 3yrs down the line means Nothing

I think you’d be better getting building control around because this will crop up for every purchaser

Properly means including the standard paperwork. 3 years is nothing for windows - they should last well over 10 years. Mine have a 15 year warranty, which is only valid because they have a FENSA certificate.

I’m happy for you 🙏

I have sent an email to the EA and said I’ll re market if they won’t accept the indemnity insurance. We’ll see what happens

Why are you so obsessed with ChatGPT? This is really fucking weird.

What bloody difference does it make?🙄 what a strange thing to get worked up over...

@BoundaryGirl3939 its not just about the fitting
it’s also the build of the window and the glass
The type of glass needed also varies depending on location
Its really not as simple as you think

Good point. I did consider that but didn’t mention it as a lot of people don’t know you can go back in time on Street View so I didn’t want to go down the rabbit hole of trying to explain it.

Although according to a certain poster, just asking ChatGPT is the answer to everything…

Honestly, it doesn't bother me at all. I trust my uncle and his work. I’m confident he’s done an excellent job. I’ve lived with them for 3 years with no worries, so I’m not starting now. Fine, the buyers don’t trust me, and that’s okay. But if they’re so concerned, why not just pay for a survey or a certificate themselves? Instead, their first move was to ask for 3 grand. And for what? I’m not entirely convinced that they care. I think they’re just trying to squeeze out more money.

We sold our house and just got the indemnity insurance it wasn’t a problem. Same situation to you. I wouldn’t reduce for that, especially not that amount. Indemnity insurance is very common the house we bought had it for some building work on the kitchen.

Why wouldn't an indemnity have a value for the buyers? if it turns out there is anything wrong with the work, they have the security of knowing the cost of putting it right will be covered.

Stick to your guns OP. We’ve just sold, no FENSA and no planing permission for a couple of minor bits. Indemnity insurance to cover all was £120 and solicitor said it’s incredibly common to have to purchase under these circumstances. Solicitor sorted it all for us & we paid. No delay caused. Plus windows/work done on the house was 10 years ago so our buyers were happy it was all ok!

I’m not worked up about it, it just concerns me that you don’t have any awareness of how parroting what AI has told you makes you look.

If you’re going to insist on using it, you absolutely shouldn’t be relying on it without doing your own research.

Of course, it’s up to you if that’s how you want to be perceived, but I’d want to look more intelligent than that. Just a little advice!