The manager has described here the situation only as he sees it, trying to make only other people at fault, whilst conveniently excluding his own behaviour. During the very last hours before signing, he chose to give the property to someone else (due to my trying to renegotiate price - as is normal). If this man was half decent, he would have tried helping by saying ‘if you negotiate further, you’ll lose the sale’. He instead chose the option that would result in making himself more money ("we have received a considerably higher offer" - quote). He wasted £500 of my money and 3 months of my time. Be aware that Stuart is all about the money. He will not hesitate in destroying your sale at the last minute, if he thinks he can make himself more profit (which is what he did to to me). Avoid this untrustworthy and unpleasant man - be warned, do not buy anything from him.