Couple Furious After Homeowner Banned Them From Viewing Property
The couple were left speechless after the 'racist' property owner banned them from viewing their potential new home
An Indian couple were left speechless after a racist property owner banned them from viewing their potential new family home.
Sareena and Ajay Suman found their dream four-bed property while surfing estate agent Purplebrick's website.
The £375,000 property was particularly special to Sareena, 34, as it was located near her family home in Birmingham, where she grew up.
However, the owner of the property refused to let the pair view the property and allegedly branded Asians as non-serious buyers who view properties 'as a day out'.
The only information available to the owner when she denied the pair a viewing was Sareena's name.
She told them: "I am no longer taking viewings from the Indian and Asian community who are not serious buyers.
"But just look around properties for sale...as a day out.
"There are many other properties you can waste people's time on so I suggest you go view one of them."
Sales trainer Sareena was in disbelief at the response and said she has gone through a rollercoaster of emotions since receiving the racist message.
She said: "I had to read the message 15 times before it sank in. At first, it was laughable and I laughed because I didn't know how to feel.
"And afterwards the sadness kicked in and I got upset. Now, I'm not as angry as I was because I've come to terms with it but it's just the shock I can't get over.
"Where we live currently there's a minority of Asians and it's made me look at everyone differently.
"I've never felt like that before. I'm now conscious about what I'm saying and if someone is looking at me."
The Suman's chose not to respond to the seller but reported her to Purplebricks instead.
"It has made me question if everyone is thinking that about me," Sareena added.
"Is my colour or my race a thing to describe me or stereotype me?"
The pair have two children and were forced to sit down with their eldest son, six-year-old Jhye, to explain racism to him following the traumatic ordeal.
Sareena is now particularly wary about moving back to Great Barr - despite its sentimental value to her - because she is now aware of the type of people who live there.
A Purplebricks spokesperson said: "The sentiments expressed in this message are completely opposed to Purplebricks' views and values.
"As soon as we saw this comment, we told the vendor that we wouldn't sell their house and refunded their fee.
"The house is no longer on the market with Purplebricks.
"We also contacted the buyer to express how appalled we were by this message and apologise that they've had this experience."
LADbible has reached out to Purplebricks for comment.
Topics: UK News
Abigail Murray