Barnard Marcus

We rented a property in Whetstone through BM in North Finchley. The house had no hot water and we have a 4 months old baby. The house was in a horrible condition, dirty, disgusting. Handling furniture. Leaking roof, chewing gum masticated on the floor. Sticky everywhere. They informed me the third day into the property that the landlord has entered in the property to fix the hot water , without informing us, without calling us as we were not at home. We had all our stuff unattended and open everywhere. When I told to Vidas and Linas Bridickas that we dont have hot water. Its hot outside and my daughter needs a bath immediately because was crying so much, they said its normal and these things can happen. How it can happen if you are supposed to check the property before giving it to the people ? A handling wardrobe door fell into my daughters bed. I asked to have ny deposit back as the house is not fitable for a baby. Not hygienic, with damaged furniture. Before entering the property, Vidas told us that they would fix and clean everything. How can they give us a property so dirty, not clean for months probably, especially now with Covid times. The landlord never answer the phone and when we called the agency to tell them how we can stay in this property dirty, with a landlord that never answer the phone, Vidas told my husband shut your mouth , let me talk. It has never happened to us. What is this way of dealing with clients? Rude, disrespectful, arrogant of Vidas and Linas( they are the only one that we dealt with) . I am very disappointed . Everything bad that you can imagine off for an agency they have it. I have contacted Citizens Advice and they will put me in contact with a solicitor to explain everything because that house is in a horrible condition to live in with a small baby. An immense source of infections.

I first found out from an ad. that Barnard Marcus were allowing for this; however, I now find from having had general chat with my local, friendly, estate agent that this vile practice is now common again and that it is actually the seller who initiates, or is advised, to do this. Hence, once an offer is accepted, the 1st buyer may have started the process of paying solicitors' fees - or even have paid for a structural survey of a property!! The vendor (seller) decides to accept a higher offer from another buyer and/or even raises the price to this 1st buyer who is currently already going through the purchase process, having made the 1st offer which was accepted! This either 'forces' them out of a 'chain' / out of the purchase or forces them to 'go over budget' to pay the higher price asked. It can render the initial buyer to be able to save for the large deposit required of first time buyers. This practice can actually prevent first time buyers getting a chance to 'get their foot on the property ladder'; also far too many 'buy to let' landlords in the UK! Also a lot of 2nd home owners who in turn 'price out' 1st time buyers who have always lived in the countryside & can no longer afford to buy to live near their families. The private landlords are charging high rents; this in turn making it all the more difficult for 1st time buyers to even SAVE, due to these rents, or end up having to rent for most of their lives - even bringing up families in rented properties; often having to move, take children out of school - should the landlord decide to sell. These private tenants get no benefits (i.e. chance to buy for reduced price) at all - just pay out 'dead money'! Some 1st time buyers in 'key occupations', such as nurses and/or earning below a certain threshold can get an opportunity for 'part ownership'; this in turn has its own restrictions, with the buyer/s actually owning less of the equity in a property. The UK Government keeps on saying 'we need to build more houses' but not enough being done. I have also read that some developers may build a smaller development of new 'top range' houses - but below the no. at which they are required by law to additionally offer 'affordable homes'!

This has NOT directly involved myself. I was, however, running property searches for my daughter, who is extremely busy with her work (I live in the South West of UK). I noticed a flat in South London - offered accepted - but further offers of higher amounts welcome. The person having made first offer could have paid out on surveyors' -or even solicitor's fees! Is 'GAZUMPING' back again to stay? It is, sadly, NOT illegal; hence Barnard Marcus not breaking any laws - yet is an immoral practice. I would try avoid estate agents who encourage this. Not 'good practice'!