Buying a House Query

[Marty Funkhouser]

Am in the process of buying a fire damaged house. The owner sadly passed away as a result of the fire so now his estate is selling the house.

I had my offer accepted 6 weeks ago and they have now got back to my solicitor saying they want me to accept any liabilities arising from the fire. I have asked them if they are aware of any claims as a result of the fire and haven't heard as yet.

Is this a standard thing? Feels to me like they are trying it on. Any conveyancing sols out there got any advice? My initial reaction is to either say no thanks and walk away if they don't want to drop it or to ask for a signicant reduction in price in order to cover any possible claims.

Any advice veryw gratefully received. TIA.

[Marty Funkhouser]

Nezquick said:

Surely the deceased's insurance would have dealt with any liabilities?

Don't think he was insured.

[Marty Funkhouser]

REALIST123 said:

No it's not. Not at all.

The buyer is buying a fire damaged house at a price below what it would have been if it hadn't been fire damaged. Buying a car that had been flood damaged, say, at a low price would be a better analogy and you would be expected to take the risk of any future outcomes as a result of the flood damage.

It's pretty straightforward and the OP should just insure if he is concerned.

Will insurers cover against potential future claims from a fire in the past?

[Marty Funkhouser]

Hamish Finn said:

Can't you just say no?

Your offer had been accepted anyway.

I can but they can then just pull out of the deal.