House Prices
Note: I *don't* want to turn this into a version of the typical Londonium dinner party, but ... if someone bought a house for £380K in December 2006 but is now selling it in May 2009 for £385K does this say to you:

1) Desperation (e.g., repossession looming)
2) Property was over-priced in 2006
3) Something structurally wrong with the property (note: least likely)

I'm going to see it Saturday; if I offer him a number that's £50K less than he paid for it, do you think he'll accept it?
(Eds Meds Mathskillz=1,Socialskillz=0, Wed 27 May 2009, 15:01, 27 replies, latest was 16 years ago)

It could be all of those three
I'd say most likely a combination of 1 and 2 though.
( Labia Majora You keep on talking but it makes no sense at all, Wed 27 May 2009, 15:03, Reply)

Something's very very wrong

( fuck shit up the best you never had, Wed 27 May 2009, 15:09, Reply)

My sentiments precisely.
Hmm.

The house looks *gorgeous* mind, 4-bed detached cottage, village, S Oxfordshire. Yum.
(Eds Meds Mathskillz=1,Socialskillz=0, Wed 27 May 2009, 15:12, Reply)

If you decide to buy it,
the sale should be contingent on an acceptable property inspection. In the US that is generally required to get a bank mortgage. Also, make sure you pick adn hire the inspector, not the seller.
(MichaelS wasn't picked again, Wed 27 May 2009, 15:19, Reply)

Yep
It's the same here in the UK - must be a valuation that's acceptable to the bank, although there are ways around it (not, mind you, in the current circumstances...).
(Eds Meds Mathskillz=1,Socialskillz=0, Wed 27 May 2009, 15:21, Reply)

It's because
he murdered several people and has hiden the bodies in the basement/under the patio. He needs cash quickly to flee the country
( TGB checking Off Topic is still shit at, Wed 27 May 2009, 15:13, Reply)

Hmm.
TGB, you're a sick, sick individual.

It's one of the things I love about you!

/facepalms
(Eds Meds Mathskillz=1,Socialskillz=0, Wed 27 May 2009, 15:18, Reply)

wouldn't stop me buying the place
I've been digging up my garden/patio and all I've found is a small toy car, a plastic gun and some bricks :-(
( Vipros. clever got me this far, then tricky got me in, Wed 27 May 2009, 15:23, Reply)

Has
MrsV been worried that you're going to bury her?
(Eds Meds Mathskillz=1,Socialskillz=0, Wed 27 May 2009, 15:25, Reply)

she's done her fair share of the work
we're like fred and rose really :-)
( Vipros. clever got me this far, then tricky got me in, Wed 27 May 2009, 15:29, Reply)

Shhhhhhh
Don't tell him what I get up to, he'll shop me!
(Herr Doktor Lemminge Is bored, so cheer me up!, Wed 27 May 2009, 15:27, Reply)

I recommend
having a word with the local filth about the area and even, ahem, "introducing" yourself to the next door neighbours as the potential new resident. Try to glean the word on the street, fo' real.
( djtrialprice, Wed 27 May 2009, 15:27, Reply)

mate...
...it's a small Oxfordshire village. This ain't Peckham, innit?

/Midsomer Murders, Inspector Morse, Lewis ...
(Eds Meds Mathskillz=1,Socialskillz=0, Wed 27 May 2009, 15:32, Reply)

Exactly
You might be living near Clarkson.
(Potty Jag har smör i min rumpspringa, Wed 27 May 2009, 15:42, Reply)

Thankfully not!
Nearer to the place that I'm putting the office for my company.
(Eds Meds Mathskillz=1,Socialskillz=0, Wed 27 May 2009, 15:58, Reply)

Key thing...
...If the house has sash windows, check them to see if they stay up. Ours didn't, got £10k knocked off for that litle find.

Oh, and invest in a Full Structural Survey - £1k saved us £30k...
(Apathyman Prepare to be underwhelmed..., Wed 27 May 2009, 15:34, Reply)

^wise, wise advice right there

( The Great Architect is still waiting for his account to be deleted on, Wed 27 May 2009, 15:37, Reply)

1+2 distinct possibilities.
there's no way he'll accept £50k less if the property is sound, and he's of sound mind.

It could be that they just need or want to move on, maybe even downsize somewhere else. And any offer should always be conditional subject to a full structural and condition survey
( The Great Architect is still waiting for his account to be deleted on, Wed 27 May 2009, 15:36, Reply)

Fortunately for me
I work in a field where I can gain access to data - I may do some hunting around. Got to figure if he can pay off his mortgage he'll be happy, even if he loses equity (note: HPI suggests around £320K).
(Eds Meds Mathskillz=1,Socialskillz=0, Wed 27 May 2009, 15:42, Reply)

ah well, if you have access to 'background' info then certainly use it to your advantage
I'd still make sure of a structural and basic condition survey first mind you :)
Hope it all goes well fella
( The Great Architect is still waiting for his account to be deleted on, Wed 27 May 2009, 15:43, Reply)

Merci bien TGA
and if you're an architect and I want some work doing, fancy gazzing me your details?
(Eds Meds Mathskillz=1,Socialskillz=0, Wed 27 May 2009, 15:47, Reply)

heh
we just need a TGC now
( TGB checking Off Topic is still shit at, Wed 27 May 2009, 16:02, Reply)

architectural technologist, but we do the whole initial design thing as well,
we just make it work, get the statutory approvals through, and keep the costs down, :)
if you need any help or initial advice, drop me a line fella, be glad to help if I can
( The Great Architect is still waiting for his account to be deleted on, Wed 27 May 2009, 16:08, Reply)

if you are in deadly seriousness
and TGA can't help, then my bro and his wife are both architects, and he has the same name as you
( Vipros. clever got me this far, then tricky got me in, Wed 27 May 2009, 16:12, Reply)

What,
Bob?
(Eds Meds Mathskillz=1,Socialskillz=0, Wed 27 May 2009, 16:15, Reply)

no, Kate

( Vipros. clever got me this far, then tricky got me in, Wed 27 May 2009, 16:18, Reply)

I thought it was Trevor

( thealternativefact, Wed 27 May 2009, 16:20, Reply)