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Hi Eddy,
Funnily enough, we're in exactly the same situation, and in fact I posted on it a couple of days ago.
Firstly, get your solicitor to confirm their deposit amount - since they will no doubt have to pay some stamp duty, they ought to at least be able to put down that, at least making a minimal deposit.
Next, your solicitor can write to your buyers solicitor, to confirm that they too, are happy with whatever deposit your buyers come up with. Now if they don't put down any deposit at all (or a very low one), it is feasible that your sellers might ask for you to still put down a deposit of up to 10%.
Of course once you complete, you get all your deposit back. But I guess your worried (as was I), about the small chance that your buyers pull out after exchange.. and if they have no deposit - what have they got to loose, whereas you with your large(r) deposit stand to loose more..
....However in reality, even with no deposit, if they pulled out, you would be able to sue them for breach of contract, for the full 10%. Of course being 1st time buyers they probably wouldn't have the money, but it is still very serious being sued for such a thing as you can probably imagine, and would have lots of repercussions (for example I doubt they'd be offered another mortgage for a long time!).
..So in reality, I don't think you need to worry unduly.. ..I did at first re my situation, but after speaking to my solicitor more, I feel better.
If I can be of anymore assistance - feel free to ask!
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