Boiler Leak Between Exchange & Completion...Help!

[Aurorablast]

Mum died last year and we've just managed to sell her bungalow.

Every month since December I've done the 400 mile round trip because the purchaser said they were going to complete.. cut to last week when we finally DID Exchange and beggar me! Went in to check all was in order to Complete and... we've had a slow leak from the boiler which has wrecked the boiler, brought the lounge ceiling down etc. etc.

The Purchaser is supposed to move in on Wednesday but we've just discovered the 1950's hidden floor tiles and ceiling contains white asbestos.... My insurance will (hopefully) make good on the remedial work (save high value items and now boiler ofc!) But... it wouldn't be safe for the new couple to move in as yet. As goodwill I'll pay for new boiler and make sure remedial work with all relevant certificates done for new owners but... does anyone know who is liable for sorting out alternative accommodation for the buyers until property is fixed? My personal cost to fix this is already at 3K and I really can't afford to put them up and pay for their move.

Any insight or experience greatly appreciated :D

I went for the conveyancing house route given it should have been the simplest sale and they really don't know now what do do .... anyone has a similar experience?

[jazzer]

pm'd you

[alex_b]

Whenever I?ve purchased a house I?ve been advised to have insurance in place from exchange for precisely this reason. I?d be tempted to leave the insurers to sort it out otherwise you may wind up paying out of pocket for something the purchasers insurers would have picked up.