House viewing tips!

[lmorgan]

Originally Posted by SquishTheWhale

That's really helpful thanks. £140 a year wouldn't be a deal breaker

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Just remember that there is no regulation on these charges, so they could double if the Management Company feel like. And, if they are like ours, we are paying them huge amounts for doing very little and they will not provide the invoices even though they are legally obliged to do so.

[SquishTheWhale]

So we went and the service fee is £80 a month, so considering they can put it up if they want is possibly a deal breaker.

An interesting first viewing... the property has tennants in it currently who have been there 10yrs and are not keen on leaving. There was about 6 of them living there and they all stood around in pjs and dressing gowns watching us so didn't really feel like we could poke around in cupboards and things. Didn't even get to see the bathroom as one of them was locked in there- smoking weed going by the very strong smell.
I can only think they are being awkward as they don't want the property sold. The agent said they have already recieved an offer though, even though it's only been on the market a few days. So probably not for us as we find want to move that quickly.

[vampiress88]

Originally Posted by SquishTheWhale

So we went and the service fee is £80 a month, so considering they can put it up if they want is possibly a deal breaker.

An interesting first viewing... the property has tennants in it currently who have been there 10yrs and are not keen on leaving. There was about 6 of them living there and they all stood around in pjs and dressing gowns watching us so didn't really feel like we could poke around in cupboards and things. Didn't even get to see the bathroom as one of them was locked in there- smoking weed going by the very strong smell.
I can only think they are being awkward as they don't want the property sold. The agent said they have already recieved an offer though, even though it's only been on the market a few days. So probably not for us as we find want to move that quickly.

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Wow that does sound interesting. A pyjama party!
£80pm is quite a bit of money for fees especially if it could increase. I’d definitely keep looking. But how did you find the three story’s? I know I didn’t like the ones near us when I went and looked. Maybe you could find some three story without the fees and pyjama weed smoking randoms.

[djewkes]

£80 a month is quite steep, enough to put me off... and so would the tenants...
There’s that old saying “what’s for you won’t pass you by”... you will find the right house... good luck...

[alkel2730]

Originally Posted by SquishTheWhale

So we went and the service fee is £80 a month, so considering they can put it up if they want is possibly a deal breaker.

An interesting first viewing... the property has tennants in it currently who have been there 10yrs and are not keen on leaving. There was about 6 of them living there and they all stood around in pjs and dressing gowns watching us so didn't really feel like we could poke around in cupboards and things. Didn't even get to see the bathroom as one of them was locked in there- smoking weed going by the very strong smell.
I can only think they are being awkward as they don't want the property sold. The agent said they have already recieved an offer though, even though it's only been on the market a few days. So probably not for us as we find want to move that quickly.

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Ooh weird! Students would put me off a bit too as I’m guessing other houses have them in too. £80 a month is ridiculous! I think you have made the right decision. I hope you find a house you love soon. X

[SquishTheWhale]

Originally Posted by vampiress88

Wow that does sound interesting. A pyjama party!
£80pm is quite a bit of money for fees especially if it could increase. I’d definitely keep looking. But how did you find the three story’s? I know I didn’t like the ones near us when I went and looked. Maybe you could find some three story without the fees and pyjama weed smoking randoms.

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I didn't mind the 3 stories! Just felt like I didn't even get to have a proper look as they had stuff literally everywhere, like blocking some of the doors and cupboards.

DH thinks it's still worth considering but the service charge puts me off. Also the possibility the tennants refuse to leave is worrying- actually happened to a friend of ours, he bought a house and the tennants refused to leave and became squatters.

[Orlandobelle]

I had a house purchase fall through (well I pulled out as one of the conditions was a quick completion) because tenants refused to move out
I would never offer on a rented house again

[Bats]

Don't do it! Your head is telling you to walk away and just the news of the tenants would put me right off.

Honestly, a better house will turn up, it may not be the next one or the 10th one - but YOUR house will turn up.

[SquishTheWhale]

Thanks both. The tenants in the property definitely make me nervous, especially as they don't want to leave. It was an extended family of 5-6 people, one with a baby on the way, a large dog and apparently the property isn't attractive to take over with tenants in situ as they are paying a really low rent from a historical agreement. So I feel like they would find it very difficult to find somewhere else to move to!

I meant to add that the parking didn't appear to be an issue. There was an allocated space for the property, a central courtyard with loads of empty spaces and many spaces marked as visitor parking, lots empty at 6pm on a week day. So while parking concerns are valid for this type of development it seemed fine.

[catherinesian]

Firstly, don't get sucked in by the agents baloney. If it's had an offer, it clearly wasn't in the realm of what the vendors will consider as if it was, it wouldn't be on the market for you to view. The agent is just trying to panic you - don't let them.

Secondly, I would be providing feedback to the agent about how difficult you found the place to view and the behaviour of the tenants. Was the agent there with you?