A young couple have described their utter disbelief after receiving the keys to their first home, only to discover it had been left in a state of extreme clutter by its previous owner, a suspected hoarder.
A Promise Broken on Completion Day
Lily and Ellis, who shared their experience on TikTok, were assured by the seller, estate agent, and their own solicitor that the property would be fully cleared before they took possession. However, upon completing the purchase on 22 December 2025, they found the reality was shockingly different. "In your 30s you will buy a hoarder house," they wryly captioned a video. "The seller, the estate agent and the solicitor will all inform you it has been cleared out. It is very important you do not believe them."
Their first sight was a skip overflowing with waste. Inside, the situation was worse. Every room was littered with boxes, furniture, electrical goods, and appliances. Kitchen cupboards remained fully stocked with food, the fridge was full, and even the washing machine contained the previous occupant's clothes. "This was our completion day," they stated. "And this isn’t even the worst of it."
Tackling the Mountain of Left-Behinds
In a follow-up video, the couple detailed their cleanup process. Lily explained that tackling the food was their first priority. They discovered shelves packed with tins and packets. A significant amount was still in-date, which they boxed for a local food bank, while out-of-date items were bagged for disposal.
When asked if they found any "treasure," Lily replied "kind of." The eclectic mix of left-behind items included a cowboy hat, boxes of Polyfilla, tools, a tool belt, stepladders, and a tile cutter. More valuable finds were brand-new wallpaper steamers, a dry robe still in its packaging, and stainless steel pans. "There were also lots of fishing books and something on the windowsill that I'd be banned for posting," she added.
Legal Limbo and Community Advice
The couple's ordeal sparked a flood of comments and advice from other TikTok users. One speculated the previous owner may have passed away, but Lily clarified: "He definitely hadn’t passed away, was sat on the couch drinking a beer on completion day. Not a thing packed."
Others raised concerns about donating the food, but Lily assured them there were no signs of bugs or vermin, making it safe to donate. The most crucial feedback came regarding their legal position. One user, claiming to be a property lawyer, advised: "If the fixtures and fittings form says they’ll clear the property prior to completion then leaving the property like this is in breach of contract." They recommended the couple have their solicitor contact the seller's side and keep all receipts for cleanup costs.
Unfortunately, Lily revealed a significant hurdle: "Unfortunately our seller has no forwarding address currently and we’re being informed it’s a civil matter and we’d need to sue him." They are looking into their options, but the experience has served as a stark warning to other prospective homebuyers about the potential pitfalls that can occur even after contracts are exchanged.
