Sounds odd that they didn’t reply to your offer, even if it’s a no. As to the cladding, I’ve read it can be professionally removed but it will probably damage the bricks underneath, so will probably need rendering afterwards. There is an interesting article on neverpaintagain.co.uk website which may be of help?

Yes, it is unusual. They took two weeks to decide. I think that they didn't want to loose the offer, but hoped for more money. In the end, I got fed up of them and pulled out myself (still hasn't sold). It's in an expensive area of the South (this would never happen where I live in the North - the value would buy a lovely home double the size with less mortgage needed). Thanks for the reply. Yes, I've seen that website. It's good. Be interesting to see if anyone chips in with experience of a project.