Multiple repeat visits requested by buyer

[LongKim]

I recently moved out of my home, then put it on the market. I found a buyer fairly easily (popular area) and accepted a decent chain free offer, possibly not as high as could go but in theory would be able to move quite quickly.

Since the offer was accepted they've had two further viewings, a mortgage survey and a full survey. The surveys didn't show anything unexpected and they are buying at a decent price, it is a period property so of course some imperfections expected.

Six weeks later they've continued to ask for multiple further viewings, with builders etc. I think as the property is empty they see it as available for getting quotes, making plans. The agent has declined further time now other than one last short viewing to bring a builder, take photos and measurements and then planning must be done once we complete. They are FTB.

I think this is correct? Surely as a seller I can't be expected to have multiple visits of 1hr plus at this stage? The agent also doesn't have time to keep accompanying. The focus needs to be on completing imo, the planning can be done based on existing photos and floor plans.

I always encourage lots of viewings as long as it doesn’t inconvenience me. People are spending hundreds of thousands of pounds so it’s understandable.

I knew you were going to say they were FTBs. Absolute piss merchants.

I don’t get why it’s an issue? Let them crack on, they sound committed and if the agent hasn’t capacity to do the viewings that’s a then problem not a you problem. I’d do anything I could to help a buyer-I don’t get why you wouldn’t.

I think if its the first time they have asked to view with a builder then thats fine. Multiple further requests not so much. However, keeping hold of a buyer in the current market is very important - its not like multiple people are queuing up these days unless you offer at a bargain price...

I don’t think it is a good sign. Are they ready to exchange?

Yes it seems mad to me that the single biggest purchase in your life you are expected to do on the strength of a 15 min walk round and if you are lucky another one after offer accepted.
If it is bothering you OP and you dont have time then say no. If the agent wants to say yes and it doesn't bother you then fine. If rhe agent says no and you don't care then leave that to the agent to resolve with the buyer

There were five offers on the property within days of it going on the market, over twenty people viewed, it was very popular! It was also well priced and the buyers are planning work. I want to be helpful, it was the agent who raised it as an issue as each viewing, builder visit etc takes time with them accompanying.

I suggested one final measure up with the agent, so they can make final checks. I think I could get another buyer easily but these buyers seem decent and hopefully we all want to push the legal work through so they can own the house in a few weeks!

I dont know how long ago you had your offer - but the market is going negative pretty quickly where I live. I get that the extra viewings are a ball ache, but I wouldn't be so confident that you could instantly pull in another buyer personally. On one hand you cant really blame a FTB for wanting to cost everything out thoroughly - its a risky time to buy. On the other hand they might be preparing to revise the offer once costing the work they want to do is all done.
I think on balance your idea to just allow one more is probably right.

I'm in Scotland where the vendors usually do the viewings themselves. If an agent does the viewing here then they charge a fee for that.

They are clearly excited OP as FTB but I do think that this is an excessive amounts of visits. It inconveniences you as the vendor (if the EA is not available) and it’s taking up EA time when they’ve already agreed a sale on your property and have other properties to sell.

I’m surprised builders would even entertain them at this stage as the sale could still collapse. They have photos and floor plans from the brochures/rightmove so could plan on that.

That said, they can just wait until the sale has completed and get builders in then.

When we purchased our current home in January 2025, it was a complete strip out and renovation. We viewed it twice before making an offer and that was it until completion. We had builders lined up but they didn’t see the property until we had completed.

The surveyors will highlight issues on the property that need rectifying - and are more equipped as opposed to builders?

That"s right, you definitely don"t want to piss buyers off nowadays.