I'm about to put an offer in on a house for a friend, asking price 180k, offer 174,950 to avoid stamp duty. Offers have now gone to sealed bids, vendors have stated that they could include 'an amount' for soft furnishings if any bids were accepted over 175k (stamp duty limit. Furnshings are limited e.g. 2x curtains, 1 cooker, 2 carpets.
If an offer of 178 was accepted is this still legal? Could this be challenged on the basis that the furnishings are not worth 3k? Surely there must be a limit to the amounts?
Any advice greatly received thanks,
Gareth