Bought a Unit at Auction - Wanna Get out of The Contract Is It Possible?

Hi Guys,

Guys I need help here. If anyone can please share there knowledge in regards to my issue then it will be big help. I know I screwed up big time.

I bought a unit at auction but when the bank did the valuation that's what they said

"As discussed, the subject property shows obvious signs of non-compliant building codes issues (ceiling height). We are aware property has been registered and have investigated further.

The property was certified by a private certifier by the name of Anthony Allen, who we have confirmed was reprimanded on 03/05/2016 on a separate issue regarding a strata development.

This is very concerning and affects the certifiers credibility. We are not willing to accept this certifiers recommendations and request cancellation of report.

As per my Solicitor Conveyancer:

This is the email I received from my solicitor Conveyancer which will explain everything in detail.

I understand from Kathy from —- bank that the findings of the bank's valuer about the unit you have purchased does not comply with the BCA due to the ceiling height being 1.8 meters from floor to ceiling and therefore, due to the bank's valuer assessment, your loan application has been declined.

Unfortunately, you have exchanged contracts under auction conditions and under the contract must complete the contract upon the vendor's solicitor serving notice of registration and an occupation certificate.

We were notified by the agent that the strata plan was registered as Strata Plan —— on the 18 November 2016.

To date, the vendor's solicitor has not formally served me with notice of registration nor the occupation certificate.

I note your instructions that you will continue to apply for another loan to secure adequate finance to purchase the property and at the same time, you wish for me to obtain more information about the original development application of the building, so we can determine what was approved by council. This morning I have sent to council an Informal Access Application under council's Government Information Public Access (GIPA) to obtain copies of the original Development Approval and other documentation that may assist.

I note that you have also instructed me to obtain a Building Certificate, a copy of the application is attached herein.

In order to terminate the Contract, we must determine that the contract is a latent defect that is a fault in the property that could not have been discovered by a reasonably thorough inspection before the contract was entered into. This can be challenging as if you conducted a building inspection prior to the auction, the issues may have been discovered before you purchased the property. Furthermore, terminating the Contract will lead to court action and you will need to consult a qualified solicitor who has experience in these sort of matters.

The problem here is that if we are served with an Occupation Certificate then you must complete the contract as the certificate certifies that the property as being fit for habitable occupation and further, the vendor will rely on the contract to enforce your obligations under the contract. As far as the vendor is concerned, he would say that he went through the right channels to obtain strata subdivision and obtain an occupation certificate.

The whole process in trying to prove that the property is not a unit but a storage space will take time as you will need to prove that the error or misconduct or failure is on the part of the certifier or the vendor.

If you purchase the Building Certificate perhaps we can try to prove that the property sold is not a unit but a storage space and therefore, the contract is misleading on the part of the vendor as you did not get what you bargained for, that is, a unit. The other alternative is that if we establish that it is a storage space, that the contract price reflect the true value of a storage space and therefore, the price should be reduced, however, this alternative is not recommended as you may not be able to obtain a loan for a storage space.

The other alternative is to approach the private certifier and ask him to explain what evidence he has to deem Lot 10 as being a unit.

I highly recommend that you seek the advice's of a qualified solicitor to discuss your legal rights should you wish to terminate the Contract.

If someone can please explain what can be done here then it will be big help. I don't have enough knowledge about all this stuff but just wondering anyone think if there's any chances for me to win this case if i go to the court?

Thanking you all in advance.

Regards and best wishes
Imdad

Comments

        • +8

          hey did you see the agents selling it.
          https://www.realestate.com.au/agency/ab-property-consultants…

          Interesting company description - I'm guessing its all about the principal ;>
          if you have a rubbish property to sell - Definitely a mastermind strategy to go to auction.

        • +4

          @Wibbleman:
          You need to sell a piece of your soul to be a real estate agent. Can't imagine how many agencies, the vendor tried before this agent took the job.

        • +2

          oh my god.

        • +6

          @jenkemjunkie: look at this one they're selling
          http://www.realestate.com.au/property-unit-nsw-harris+park-1…

          It looks filthy and they call it 'tastefully updated' and 'spotless'

        • +2

          @snook:

          That's it! I'm gonna get my chequebook and fountain pen right now!

          Today is the day I start my ghetto housing portfolio and hoodwink international students into its barracks style sleeping arrangements. I won't lose much to repairs coz I don't need to maintain it!

          Those students should be bloody thankful I'm supplying housing to poors that can't afford to buy! How dare they complain

        • +4

          Oh my god.

          "First home buyers, investors and…DOWNSIZERS."

          I'm sorry if I am coming off flippant. I do feel for you OP and hope the resolution is in your favour.

        • +3

          @Skimpywallet:

          So true. They are scum.

          Just bought a new place and the agent lied through his teeth.

        • +2

          @snook:

          Spotless? Delusional. Look at that shower screen.

        • +2

          @rorymeister: and the kitchen cupboards!

          and tastfully updated - have a look at the kitchen sink

        • I'm feeling claustrophobic just looking at the pics O.O

        • OMG. At least Price Guide $440,000 –- 480,000 - so $380,000 was a 'bargain'…

        • @snook: I am not sure how you can see the Center Point tower from there….

          Interesting that it's the same block, but the ceiling height looks more than 1.8m

        • Resold in March 2023 with $100k loss. Ouch.

    • If he attended the auction (the auction in which he chose to buy) he would have seen the height himself.

      For some reason he was ok with it.

  • +21

    1.8m? is it a house for ants?

    is this someone roof space their selling?

    • +1

      Ya i am stuck with it :(

      • Did the low height not occur to you at the time you inspected it?

    • +9

      How can we be expected to teach children to learn how to read have people live here, if they can't even fit inside the building?

  • +14

    I highly recommend that you seek the advice's of a qualified solicitor to discuss your legal rights should you wish to terminate the Contract.

    Do this.

    I must ask you didn't notice the ceiling being 1.8m high? Saying that there are already people living there doesn't make sense. You spent $380K on it so unless you're a multi millionaire and don't care about that amount of money, which let's be honest you aren't because you're on bloody OzBargain asking for advice and not speaking to your lawyer.

    • Well - Ofcourse i am not multi millionaire but i have read about ppl who become multimillionaire bcz of Ozbargain and other ppl's idea.. I just need to know what ppl think about it and would recommended

      What you saying is right though.. I'm actually looking for a good solicitor - Thanks alot for your comment

      • +15

        ppl who become multimillionaire bcz of Ozbargain

        Can I request an AMA from these OzBargain millionaires?

        • +1

          ok :P

        • Pretty impressive, they weren't multimillionairs before, only after joining ozb they became one

        • I'd actively avoid a summons and not dump your money in this crackpot property idea of yours. I'd be looking for a very very good lawyer to orchestrate this

        • +2

          @Ughhh:

          Gotta spend money on bargains to make money.

          ….Hang on a minute.

      • +2

        They saved so much money that they magically became millionaires.

      • +3

        I know a great solicitor. for $200, I'll give you the contact details. You just have to trust me like you trust one of your real estate agent's friend though. Your call.

        • +7

          I know of a Nigerian prince who can loan you the money, you'll just need to pay a $200 transfer fee to his account to cover the admin costs

      • +6

        Buy it, open a midget bar or brothal.

        Rent it to drug manufacturers, the police wont be able to walk in.

      • +5

        Try call up theTV channels and news papers. If the media is involved things might go your way more. Your story is definitely news worthy, good luck with it.

        • Even just the threat of this could be enough.

    • +3

      I'm guessing the auction wasn't held inside the unit?

  • +1

    1.8 meters……

    • +13

      I know. Apologies to the OP if it's true, but smells of a troll to me.

      Brand new account and did not inspect the property prior to purchase.

      • +1

        Exactly my thoughts. How can someone buy property without single inspection…

      • I hardly use Ozbargain but saw ppl discussing and helping with there knowledge so though to post it here..

        I did inspect the property it was looking alright except the launch room was a bit low - i asked the agent and he explained me its bcz of the changing of flooring and stuff… Ofcourse i was not smart enough to dig more into it..

        • +12

          changing of flooring!?!??!?!

          my kids cubby house has a higher ceiling.

        • +8

          No doubt I believe u.. but unfortunately that's not what I wanna know..

      • +3

        Check above, someone posted a link to the unit and it looks highly probable

        • Wow, thanks for pointing that out.

  • +40

    Frodo is that you?

  • +33

    How did you not notice it was a 1.8m ceiling? Did they hire dwarf actors for the optical illusion while you were inspecting it? Are you buying on the 7.5 Floor?

    • +1

      I did inspect the property it was looking alright except the launch room was a bit low - i asked the agent and he explained me its bcz of the changing of flooring and stuff… Ofcourse i was not smart enough to dig more into it..

      • +2

        There are 'low ceilings,' and then there are low ceilings. I'm not freakishly tall but I literally wouldn't be able to stand straight in this house in bare feet. I doubt the house was built for dwarves originally, maybe one of the homeowners layered a foot of flooring that you'd be able to remove.

      • +2

        Digging sounds like a good idea, if you're on ground level, dig down a bit until it conforms to height requirements =D

        • +1
          1. Your foundation???

          2. Its easier if your not, dig through the floor, dismember the down stairs neighbour and send to the fella who sold you the unit. You now have 3.7m high ceilings with dual access, a spare parking spot.
            Note 3.7m is 1.8 x 2 plus floor.

    • It was shot in an Ames Room.

    • +3

      John Malcovic came here to upvote this comment

      • Loved him in that jewel thief movie!

  • +3

    For all the people asking how they didn't notice the 1.8m ceiling height, it's possible that the ceiling height is 'as low as 1.8m'. I know someone who has a 3 bedroom plus study house which really should be 4 bedrooms. The fourth is downstairs and joists in the floor/ceiling hang just below the minimum height (which is much more than 1.8m in QLD), because of this it can't legally be called a 4 bedroom house. If they were selling then they would consider removing the floor coverings and getting the slab ground down a few millimetres so it could pass regulations.

    • Thanks for your comment..

    • -5

      It is possible to pull up the the timber floors and cut the slab down but is probably cost prohibitive
      Just pulling up all flooring may do it but still no ceiling fans and you can only rent to first generation Asian immigrants
      Do they pull up the garage doors when they have visitors
      Or perhaps with some landscaping and the right door it would be fit for hobbits?
      I'm sorry I just find it hard to take seriously
      I would try your luck with your local councillor, take photos of someone tall inside the unit.
      If that doesn't work aca, they love a good joke!

      • +1

        ACA, only good suggestion I'm seeing from your comment

        • Oh it's all right, I know I'm not politically correct and
          Don't worry, they will drop oneday

        • @Beach Bum:

          In some strata places it's hard enough trying to get the OK to remove carpet.. Wonder how approval for taking a slice out of a structural element would go!

          I assume the original owner who stratad them and did the reno underneath looked into this idea and found some reason why it wasn't possible or worth it.

          Notice the subfloor vent in kitchen photo? Possibly already well below ground level.. Possibly massive plumbing challenge to literally pump tenants shit up a hill..

  • +5

    If the ceiling is 1.8m, then how high are the door entries? Did you have to bend your head down to go between rooms?

    • No not really..

      • +1

        Not to be disrespectful, but how tall are you?

        • 1.7 m but honestly I think the ceiling height is little more then 1.8

  • "I highly recommend that you seek the advice's of a qualified solicitor to discuss your legal rights should you wish to terminate the Contract."

    Your actual solicitor truly wrote this?

    • +7

      Pretty sure OP is using a conveyancer, not a solicitor.

      • You are making sense although OP says "This is the email i received from my solicitor". It is also unusual OP joined today.

        • Hi there, sorry my bad i meant She is a conveyancer

      • You are right

    • +2

      She is a conveyancer … and she said she never had any case before like this one..

    • She is a conveyancer … and she said she never had any case before like this one

  • +1

    Whereabouts is this unit? $380K isn't a lot for a unit normally but for a unit that has those ceiling heights that is a lot. You say there were 2 other bidders, I understand that you may have not done your due diligence prior to the auction but I would be surprised if the other 2 bidders didn't either, all seems a bit strange to me. If you cant get finance is it possible for the agent to contact the underbidder, if they agree to purchase for their max bid you may only be up for the difference between their bid and yours…just a thought?

    • Ya i spoke to the agent - but seems like there some sort of conflict of interest towards the Vender - Like this guys are friends from past 16 years and so.. Thats what he told me before the auction..

      • +1

        I'm almost 100% certain that the other 2 bidders are shill bidders, and in this situation you are the shill.

      • +4

        The agent is engaged and paid for by the Vendor. The agent acts in the Vendor's best interests (subject to some regulations).

        Them potentially being long-term friends is completely irrelevant - the agent is not looking out for your interests regardless.

  • +19

    1
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    8

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    • Thats right mate.. :(

    • +13

      No jumping in there, Jim..

    • Your comment is taller than the ceiling.

  • +2

    Did the real estate advert say the property had 1 or more bedrooms? Did it say it has a kitchen? In qld(and I assume nsw) these areas need a minimum 2.4m height.. Despite whatever a dodgy cerifier signs off on. If so, immediately save copies of these adverts. Accc/fair trading /real estate ombudsman will be most interested to hear from you. This may get you out of the situation.

    Youve had good advice from others but if you want more maybe try somersoft property forum. Mind you, some of the people you are challenging may lurk there.

    Good luck with it

    • +1

      Yes it was advertised on realestate.com.au - It was advertised as 2 bedroom unit with kitchen and study room.. Ill take a note on this - You recon i can go to fair trading ??? I've saved all the links and pictures from the real estate agent - Thank you so much for your input

      • +4

        Share photos and other links please.

      • +3

        Yes. I had a very dodgy real estate agent advertising 4beds for a 3bed place. 4th bed was under height. He gave me attitude when I questioned that so I sent the issue to fair trading so he may be educated.

        Fair Trade were very interested. Got me to provide advert and statement saying that I made enquiries based on it having 4bed.. They definitely took action but I don't know the outcome.

        You may not be so lucky if I dodgy certifier has said it's a legal bedroom /kitchen.. But I think 2.1m is minimum height of any area anyway.. But otherwise it sounds like you could easily get out of this obvious misrepresentation.. I believe one couple got out of an auction because a photo on the advert was photoshopped to remove a power pole?? If so, that would set precedent. Make sure you backup copies of adverts by emailing them to someone else.. That also locks in timestamp of sorts.

        People walk through a place.. But by the time it comes to auction weeks later the strongest most recent representation of the place would come from the advert.. So the advert sounds like a serious breach.

        Let us know how it pans out

      • +5

        As many others have recommended go to a solicitor today, don't walk, run. Take all the information you can and don't fiddle around with other options. It will cost you money but it will save you a lot of money if something can be done.

        • +2

          Excellent advice. The time to save money has long past. Consider that you have just bought a garage and it is illegal to rent out. Is that worth 380k?

  • +6

    1.8 meters height? Please share a picture.

  • No subject to finance agreement.

  • -3

    I know you're probably just trying to buy a relatively cheap property,
    BUT this could not possibly be approved for human habitation
    Everyone seems to be trying to pull a swifty on this one
    Move all your cash offshore, sign any property over to the kids and go on a long holiday
    Byyeee

  • +2

    If you have been inside unit, you would know if it was 1.8m. You mention you are 1.7m, so even though you technically could stand up it would be awfully claustrophobic and you would have to duck and weave between light fittings and door openings etc.

    If this thread is for real, you obviously need to get the full details of ceiling height per room. Since it seems to have certificates and other interested buyers, it's probably just one "bedroom" that is a storage room instead.

    I find it unlikely that you wouldn't have tried to get these details yet though considering what a massive issue this is if it's possible that it's 1.8 height throughout whole unit as implied. Although if that is the case, it's not fit for living and I don't understand how it could have these certifications or why people are buying them.

  • +1

    What rooms/part of the house has the 1.8m ceilings?

    And what's the ceiling height on the rest of the house?

  • Beggars belief …

    • Pretty much everywhere except main bedroom ..

  • +1

    Hi OP, I feel bad for you that you are in such situation. Are you able to share the realestate link with us? Or at least tell us what area this property is situated in?

    Many councils in NSW have a minimum requirement of 2.7m (for bedrooms) and 2.4m (reduction because of false ceiling) in bathroom and kitchen area. 1.8m doesn't sounds like it is a complied development.

    Hope it works out well for you.

    • Thanks mate .. just hoping vender won't get the occupation certificate on time so that I can simply get away with it..

    • 2.7m? Never heard of this requirement. I have worked previously for a project home company.

      • +3

        here you go sir

        Please refer to page 10 of the pdf

        • Thank you for the link. Didn't realise there was a push for 2.7 in apartments.. Think that is great.. Good for light.

          Now if only we make smoking illegal in apartment blocks I may actually be able to stand living in one

          Preferably one that doesn't have upstairs plumbing showing through my ceiling.

        • +2

          @Stitchy:

          Now if only we make smoking illegal in apartment blocks I may actually be able to stand living in one

          Here you go sir

          Smoking is not banned in all strata schemes. However, occupants must not create a nuisance or hazard or stop others enjoying the strata complex. If smoking is offending someone, the smoker could be taken to the NSW Civil and Administrative Tribunal and penalised.

          Also, the model by-laws include options for rules that would further restrict smoking. Owners corporations may adopt such rules or develop their own by-law that places restrictions on smoking.

        • @RockMeLoOn:

          Cheers.
          I've heard some apartment blocks in Nsw and vic enforcing no smoking even on balconies.. But in qld we still have a ways to go I think.. Most people I know in townhouses and units up here see 2nd hand smoke as the major irritant, more annoying than noise. You can put ear plugs in, nose plugs.. But not lung plugs :)

        • +1

          @Stitchy:

          I agree, 2700 ceiling in an apartment makes a huge difference.

        • +1

          @BartholemewH:

          2950 (2.95m) ceiling in this apartment - awesome!

  • +4

    Heres something i didn't know about, taken from: https://forums.whirlpool.net.au/forum-replies.cfm?t=2084245&…

    If it is just the bearers that have been boxed down into the room, then it might still be legal height. The rules are:

    • any part of the house with a ceiling height of less than 1500mm is classified as a crawl space and can't be used for any purpose (not even as a store room).

    • in each actual room, 2/3 of the floor area must be of legal height (2400mm in the case of a flat ceiling bedroom)

    • the remaining 1/3 of each room can be any height down to 1500mm, provided the reduced height does not interfere with the proper functioning of the room.

    At the end of the renovation that created these rooms, the house should have been inspected and checked against the BCA (by the local council inspector or a private certifier usually) and given a final certificate of some sort (which transitions it from officially being a building site back to officially being a house). Ultimately it is up to the person who issued this certificate to determine whether the rooms in question are compliant. The fact that they appear like they might not be compliant is often an indication that this final inspection was never carried out. And if I were you, that would be my biggest concern.

    If the final inspection was never carried out, then the legal status of the property might actually be a bit fuzzy. It might still be classed as a building site by the relevant authority. This could impact insurance. It could even encumber the title (some building contracts are not properly terminated until the final certificate is issued, so the builder may still technically have the right to put a caveat on the site).

    In short, before even wondering about the bedroom vs storeroom question, I'd check that the renovation was approved in the first instance, and then properly signed off and finished and the house formally returned to residential status.

    • It's an auction so it doesn't make any difference at all if the ceilings are illegal and there are dead bodies in the cupboard. They are looking for a loophole to say it was misrepresented.

  • Link to advertisement please….

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