clause in house contract

[maggie01]

Not sure if this is the right place but.
I am purchasing a house for which I have paid for the searches etc. I have been sent the contracts in readiness for exchanging but there is a clause which says only cats are allowed. If you want to keep a dog, you have to have the written permission of the builder. The property is 15yrs old and at no time did anyone mention this to me even though the agents and the owners of the house knew I had two shih-tzus.. If I am not allowed to take the dogs with me, which will mean I cannot go ahead with the sale. How do I stand with this money I have already paid out. Any advice please

[Julestheking]

Why not apply for permission to have the dogs before abondoning all hope? I'm sure that 15 years down the line, the builder won't care whether you have a dog or not!

If you back out now, you are likely to lose the search fees that you have paid, and are likely to be charged a fee by your solicitor for the work they have carried out on your behalf to date.

[maggie01]

Julestheking. I have applied for permission still waiting to hear.

The fact is regarding the fees I have paid and the solicitors fees, is that I would never have started this if I had been told that I was not allowed the dogs so it seems a bit unfair that I would not be able to claim this money back from somone.

Hopefully I will get the permission I need but there is no way I can possible give my dogs up and that is the only reason I would back out of the sale.

[Julestheking]

Do you know the identity of the builder?

[maggie01]

Yes it is a Barrat home and they have replied today and I have permission to take them with me.

[Julestheking]

Good good.

Happy moving.