Buyers on A Place in the Sun were devastated after a seller rejected an ultimatum from them.
Catherine and Martin decided it was time to fulfil their long-held dream of buying a holiday home in Italy. Calling on Channel 4's property expert, Scarlette Douglas, they headed to the stunning Lazio Coast to try and find a property.
The region of Lazio in Italy has crystal clear waters and sandy beaches, making it a very popular holiday destination, so it was clear why the buyers wanted a little slice of paradise there. They hoped to find a two-bedroom property, close to the sea, for their budget of £275,000 - but they revealed they would be willing to spend more on the perfect property.
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Scarlette showed the buyers five promising properties, including a two-bedroom apartment with sea views and a four-bedroom country house with a private pool. After the couple had seen all of the options, Catherine and Martin opted to put an offer in on a stunning seafront villa.
However, they had to be a bit cheeky when making an offer, as their perfect property was on the market for £352,000. Explaining their decision, Martin said: "We did say we would be willing to push the budget for an exceptional property and we’ve made a decision Scarlette – we’d like to put a bid in for property number five."
They decided to put a first offer of £320,000 in, and while it was still grossly over budget for them it was much cheaper than what the seller was asking for. Unsurprisingly the offer was rejected but the couple were determined not to give up as they decided to make an ultimatum.
Martin said: "Rather than get in a long bidding war our next offer will be our final offer – £330,000 but including all furnishings." But sadly for the buyers that too was rejected. Scarlette explained: “Unfortunately she’s looking for £342,000 including everything.”
The property hunters admitted that they wouldn't be able to meet that price but they were adamant that they would wear the seller down. Martin made one more offer as he issued a warning to the seller.
He said: "Okay, Scarlette we’ve found the property we want our final offer is £335,000. But we fly back to England in a couple of hours and that offer is on the table until then." Making the couple’s ultimatum clear, Scarlette told the agent: "When they leave today the offer leaves with them."
The host said that the seller would be "silly" not to accept the third and final offer. Martin added: "I think she’ll be crazy not to."
But it was bad news for them and they both looked absolutely crushed as the seller came back with a resounding no. However in a bit of a twist, Scarlette later confirmed to viewers that later that day the couple did have their offer accepted but the sale has since fallen through.
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