I just can't. Even more (updated in comments)

[mrsukyankee]

So, it turns out the policy that the other solicitor has sourced is fine. We can move forward. So, my H calls the estate agent. And then we're told that the new build they are buying hasn't had their final sign off yet for building regs. HELLO. This is something we should have heard about earlier. They can't exchange yet. And won't be able to exchange until this is done - which could be done in two weeks or might not get done until the end of January. £$!$£"^^%$&^WJLFD:KF

I was getting all excited that we were moving forward and this happened. And now we're less than 2 weeks from our Airbnb running out and we're going to have to try to find something - over the freaking Christmas holidays!!! In London. One of those places where people come to visit a lot for Christmas. Yeah, not many good options right now.

I love this house but I'm honestly ready to just give up (but I also know that buying a different house might take 6 months so ugh). Every step forward has two steps back. The sellers and their solicitor are holding back vital information or screwing things up. It's ridiculous. I mean, I wouldn't even believe it if it wasn't happening to me.

[k3am]

You guys really can't seem to catch a break.

[laterz]

I’m so sorry. That sounds miserable and I’d like to punch everyone for you.

[flygirl]

Why can’t they find a temp place?
ETA-I would definitely ask for more money because it sounds like they withheld this while the other issue was going on.

[RockNVoll]

OMFG. I'm sorry.

[k3am]

mrsukyankee, are all your ups and downs typical of buying in London or have you just gotten terribly unlucky? Is it their solicitor? Yours? Somewhere in between? Do you have any legal recourse?

[mrsukyankee]

Dec 9, 2019 16:38:56 GMT -5 k3am said:

mrsukyankee , are all your ups and downs typical of buying in London or have you just gotten terribly unlucky? Is it their solicitor? Yours? Somewhere in between? Do you have any legal recourse?

No legal recourse as we haven't exchanged contracts yet. This is what is frustrating about buying in England - you can be left to flounder for ages and there is no recourse.

It's not unusual for something like this to happen but also not usual. Our solicitor has been fabulous. Their solicitor has been awful - they had a trainee solicitor who made some bad decision. And then the house they are buying is not going well either (they are frustrated too). So, when you are in a chain (someone else is also buying a house), that can make it take longer and be more awful.

My H actually got to speak to the owner later in the day. He understands more what is happening. They really would prefer to finish all of this before Christmas but it's not under their control due to the idiocy of the people who are selling the house they are buying. It's really unlucky for us and them. They are unhappy because they know as cash buyers we have to go through less hoops and if we pull out it's going to be a lot more tricky to sell. We really just love this house. 

We did go see a house we liked on Saturday but it's not as lovely. But it'd be doable. Not sure they'd accept what we'd want to offer. But it's an option. That would mean we'd have to get a longer term let because it could take quite a while to get that house - so, have to weigh it all up.

Found a few airbnb's we could rent so we'll make a decision by Wed.

[k3am]

mrsukyankee, mark moving to London off any bucket list I ever would have.

And even if you decided to pass on this house, you still run the risk of not finding anything. Or of that house having similar issues.

That just sounds like an overall nightmare.

[Wallflower]

mrsukyankee,I wish I could save a magic wand to make all of this start working for you ... You really deserve for things to start going right!!!!!

[mrsukyankee]

We finally found a flat to live in for two weeks starting on the 23rd. It had 2 bedrooms and 2 bathrooms and in the perfect location. And then I got the call just now that the owner decided they wanted to stay there over Christmas into the New Year. FUCK!!!!!!!!!!!!!! We just can't get a break. We have 9 days to find a new place. Over Christmas. I'm so over this. I'm about to begin bawling in frustration and anxiety and anger. Goddamn it.

[jamaicam]

Dec 17, 2019 10:41:55 GMT -5 mrsukyankee said:

We finally found a flat to live in for two weeks starting on the 23rd. It had 2 bedrooms and 2 bathrooms and in the perfect location. And then I got the call just now that the owner decided they wanted to stay there over Christmas into the New Year. FUCK!!!!!!!!!!!!!! We just can't get a break. We have 9 days to find a new place. Over Christmas. I'm so over this. I'm about to begin bawling in frustration and anxiety and anger. Goddamn it.

Nooooooooo

You are really not having any luck.

Let's speak it into being - 2020 is going to be a way less stressful year for your family

[simpsongal]

I'm so sorry mrsukyankee, - I wince when I see an update from you b/c I just anticipate it's more bad news. You guys deserve a break and a string of WINS in 2020.

[pumpkin]

Dec 17, 2019 10:50:11 GMT -5 jamaicam said:

Dec 17, 2019 10:41:55 GMT -5 mrsukyankee said:

We finally found a flat to live in for two weeks starting on the 23rd. It had 2 bedrooms and 2 bathrooms and in the perfect location. And then I got the call just now that the owner decided they wanted to stay there over Christmas into the New Year. FUCK!!!!!!!!!!!!!! We just can't get a break. We have 9 days to find a new place. Over Christmas. I'm so over this. I'm about to begin bawling in frustration and anxiety and anger. Goddamn it.

Nooooooooo

You are really not having any luck.

Let's speak it into being - 2020 is going to be a way less stressful year for your family

I totally agree with this - 2020 is going to be a year when everything comes together for your family.

[Wallflower]

Is there anything you can do to push back on the sellers? I mean, they're just idiots and are screwing up your life! They'd better get one fucking huge chunk of coal this year.

[mrsukyankee]

Dec 17, 2019 11:34:47 GMT -5 Wallflower said:

Is there anything you can do to push back on the sellers? I mean, they're just idiots and are screwing up your life! They'd better get one fucking huge chunk of coal this year.

Nope.  We have no leverage until we exchange contracts in this country. It truly is an awful system for buyers. I know they are frustrated as they wanted to move into their new place before Christmas but at least they have somewhere to live. Ugh. 

[flygirl]

Dec 17, 2019 10:41:55 GMT -5 mrsukyankee said:

I’m shocked you haven’t already.  I’d be sitting in the corner with a bottle of wine bawling and cursing at the same time.

[calico]

I really have no words. Sending you good house vibes.

[aprilsails]

Oh no no no no no. I can’t even on your behalf. I’m so sorry.

[RockNVoll]

Uuuugh! I'm so sorry! I wish there was something I could do to help.

[dutchgirl678]

Oh no, I'm so sorry! I really hope you can find something for the holidays.