We had signed the contracts before we left and solicitor said she would just date them when the time came. But as we had been mucked around with buyers etc we decided the day before we left to give the solicitor power of attorney so we dont have to worry about it.

You don't want to make friends then?

K.

It's interesting that this experience (and others reported here) contradicts the "official" line that the housing market is still red hot. I wonder if we're seeing the fag end of a bubble about to burst? If so, then it's excellent timing for you.

K.

The official line also rattles on about how house prices are still rising - yet we and many others are having to reduce our asking prices drastically to actually sell.

Ours has sold for 15,000 below valuation and that's before a surveyor comes.

Babs

It's like everything - it depends on your location and local conditions.

I think that there is a limit to how much you can afford which will limit house prices anyway. The average income is £X, so the maximum Mortage will be £Y, hence the average house price cannot go over £Y. Or something like that.