Owning your own home

If it's a gas oven it'll cost him the best part of £100 just to disconnect it, so you could just call his bluff, but if it's decent stuff it'll be much easier and cheaper for you. Bid him £100.

I have spoken to the seller and he has received enquires today from his solicitor which he will reply to by the end of the week.

This is what it sounds like - questions about the house that aren't obvious to the solicitor from the agent's brochure or the title deeds. Things like when it was extended (if it was), when the boiler was last serviced, more details about any rights of way. That sort of shit.

At the weekend he sent his signed contract and signed Tr1 form to his solicitor together with a fixtures and fittings list.

The TR1 is the only physical part of the contract that needs signing. Most solicitors would make signing that one of the last jobs as it's not worth anything until the contents of the contract are agreed, but the fact it's done is positive. The F&F list is a standard form detailing everything that's staying and going so you know what to expect when you move in.

As above - all good news but you've got a few weeks to go yet.