Difficult house buyers on completion.

[SamBamford]

I sold, subject to contract, my house last August to a couple with no chain. A family member was buying their house. Contracts have been signed my end for months but they keep coming up with a catalogue of silliness why they can't complete. Last week they said they would not complete until maybe late March as they were going on holiday. I stated this was unacceptable and they must complete asap. I've spoken to the solicitor who is going to speak to theirs. Today they have said they have cancelled the holiday (I don't believe there was one) and will complete soon. Both solicitors say everything is in place and it could have sold before xmas.
Where do I stand regarding fees? If they cancel the sale why should I have to pay fees when none of this is my fault. I believe they want to cancel but are trying to goad me to stop the sale and try and make me pay their fees. Can I insist on a firm date? And what are my rights regarding the fees?

 

[TheSlayer]

If you have not exchanged then nothing is payable and both are responsible for your own costs (assuming England). Even if they try and come back at you for searches etc there is no leg to stand on.

All these questions your solictor should answer for you.

 

[SamBamford]

Thank you. I spoke to the solicitor on Friday, she is going to speak to their solicitors. I'm waiting for her call.

 

[aliw]

I would cut your losses and give them a deadline or the house will go back on the market. I have done this before and it worked

 

[SamBamford]

It is going to have to come down to this. I'm fed up with the excuses. One was the family member who is buying their house claimed he wasn't signing until their boiler was service as it was playing up. They all live in the same house, that is a conversation to be had in the home. They are squabbling between themselves and using silly excuses. Another was a broken ankle but I know where they live, I sat in my car and waited, no broken ankles were seen, all trotted off with no problems. They keep phoning the estate agent saying they still want it and to thank me for my patience of which I have run out of.