Buyer’s ‘auction bargain’ turns out to be listed for demolition

A man who snapped up a flat in an online auction sale found that he had spent £7,000 on a property scheduled for demolition.

Craig Gibson has now instructed lawyers to get his money back.

The flat had been described as a “unique opportunity”. Gibson, who bought the property sight unseen, planned to renovate it and let it out to provide income.

He made the purchase of the property, in Port Glasgow, Inverclyde, after seeing photos of it on Future Property Auctions’ website.

He told the Mirror that it looked sound when viewed online, but that in reality it is boarded up and next to flats damaged by fire.

Inverclyde Council has told Gibson that the property is subject to a demolition order.

Future Property Auctions says of flats in the area that they are a “super investment opportunity”, but does caution that they are within a regeneration area and that purchasers should satisfy themselves as to Inverclyde Council’s plans.

In the letter to the auction firm, Gibson’s lawyers allege that the image of the property shown on the website was “not a true reflection of the property” and that the advert was in breach of the Property Ombudsman’s code of practice.

http://www.mirror.co.uk/news/uk-news/bargain-hunter-snaps-up-unique-11057541

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2 Comments

  1. GPL

    He bought something which he believed was something?

    ….however it turned out not to be the something that he thought it was?

    Sounds familiar?

    Report
  2. GPL

    ….and on a serious note.

    Something seems clearly amiss which further investigation will no doubt confirm. It doesn’t sound right, however any potential “bargain” needs to be treated for what potential it offers – the real prospect of NOT actually being a bargain.

    If the “something” buyer has been duped then hopefully the law etc will make sure things are put right!

    Report
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