Guys, looking for some advice here...
After 1.5 years of looking for a house, I went sale agreed 2 weeks ago. We bidded for a week, even when I was the last bidder left at €20k above the asking price the vendors wouldn't settle. They said if I increased my bid by €5k they'd sale agree immediately and were looking for a quick sale - closing in 3/4 weeks. So I increased my bid, gave the esate agent the deposit cheque and smiled for a few days....
This week, the vendor has gone AWOL. Before doing so, he told the EA they were selling to someone else. Estate agent says he can't contact him to find out what's going on.
Obviously the personal inconvenience isn't a big issue, but the more serious part is... I've cashed in a lot of shares - in excess of €100k to finance the house. I'm at a loss as I've disposed of these shares which provided significant income in dividends and also disposed of them in a hurry in order to release cash for a quick settlement thus not getting the best price for them.
I know that sale agreed means nothing, it's not legally binding but surely there must be something i can do to recoup losses. Anyone been through this and every got compensation? What about the small claims courts? If it's another year before I get house, the loss could be quite great.
Any help appreciated.