Exchanging contracts

[RedTrident]

Bit of advice really, moved homes plenty of times but never found myself in this situation. I reserved a property in late November. It's a new build and still not complete when I reserved.

The mortgage offer arrived last week and the estate agent is chasing me up to exchange contracts. Apparently the developer is threatening to cancel the reservation if I don't exchange by Friday.

I want to actually have a chance to look at the flat before I exchange and can only do this on Saturday. I can exchange on Monday but am reluctant to hand over 10% without actually seeing the flat. The estate agent I'm dealing with doesn't seem to think this is acceptable. Am I missing something here? Thoughts?

[z4chris99]

what states the property in now? it may not be suitable for viewing before PC.

Have you paid a res fee? what's the property value? how many in the development?

We exchange from a floorplan and a few CGIs, infact on Asian tours we have people exchange 10% who have never even been to London.

I would give you extra time, but that's because I'm nice.

[RedTrident]

Paid £1,000 reservation fee. Purchase price is 300k. People started moving in to the floor just before Xmas. The sales office was shut until last Monday and I got an email asking for an update on Saturday. Went to see them and told them the mortgage offer had come in. They didn't offer to show me the finished flat, probably should have asked.

I've dropped them an email saying can I view on Saturday to exchange on Monday. I can't handover 30k blind for what is 1 working day.

[z4chris99]

on your res form what were the exchange terms?

Sounds like you paid £1k a while ago correct?

and now the apartment is ready you are exchanging / completing?

if so sounds pretty reasonable to see the unit before you complete.

who's the developer?

[RedTrident]

Reserved mid November. They started moving people in just before Xmas break. Properties weren't complete until then. Term was 28 days but that ran into the Xmas break when they were closed.

Everything's in place with my solicitor, all the searches done and the mortgage offer received. The 10% can be wired across tomorrow but I don't really want to exchange before I've been inside what I'm about to buy. Maybe I'm behind the times but really can't understand why they're digging their heels in over a weekend.

[z4chris99]

they can tell you to do one as your past the terms on the res form

I would just stick to your guns. say you want a looksy

[smckeown]

Reading through the lines,both the developer and estate agent would happily sell the flat to another punter as they believe the property is worth more. If you want the flat then stick to your reasonable terms and convince them that they are perfectly reasonable.
Sean

[mcflurry]

Can you not take an afternoon / couple of hours off work before then, have a look and then exchange on deadline?

[RedTrident]

They've agreed to Monday. They've now realised they've not got the paperwork ready at their end.

[z4chris99]

well done mate