15/05/2026
"Technology…is a q***r thing. It brings you great gifts with one hand, and it stabs you in the back with the other." - C.P.Snow
Thank you to all who reached out asking if I was ok, the concern fuelled by my failure to send my weekly newsletter. Hand on heart, it was written, but for reasons way beyond my understanding the IT security measures in place blocked it being sent. It took 4 days to resolve, but we are back on track this week.
Whilst I know the budget is very topical, I feel that what is clear has been broadly covered already, and the nuances need further clarification so will save that for a later day.
Today I wanted to cover off on an aspect of the sale that some sellers lose sight of, and that is keeping the property in the same state and condition as it was on the contract date.
I find that once a sale is unconditional, everyone breathes a big sigh of relief, unpacks everything that was put away, stop saying “don’t touch the walls” to the kids, and some sellers start to behave as if they no longer own the property.
Gardens don’t get watered much, if at all, plants “die” and are removed, pool cleaners or dishwashers get swapped out for cheaper models, light globes etc don’t get replaced, and sometimes new dents and scratches appear.
It’s important to remember that there is a contractual obligation to maintain the property in the same condition as when the buyers inspected, and the buyers deserve to move into the home they purchased.
Nothing sours a sale for a seller like having to replace an entire lawn or sheepishly return a pool robot.
It does happen that friction between a buyer and seller can occur during the sale process, but that doesn’t remove the obligation to look after the property until settlement.
Goodwill, and wine, go a long way!
Have a great weekend.
