Check For Damp Before Investing In A Property
If You’re Buying A Home Or Investment Property, A Pre-Purchase Damp Survey Will Give You Peace Of Mind – And Reassure Your Mortgage Provider.
Securing a pre-purchase damp survey ensures, in short, that you’re not buying a dud property that soon proves to be a money drain as soon as you move in or let it out.
Our comprehensive report identifies the nature of any damp present so you can either;
- Adjust your numbers and budget for the necessary repairs.
- Exit or renegotiate the deal to account for extra costs.
This not only gives you peace of mind knowing that there aren’t going to be damp-related surprise costs, but it also strongly positions you to get the best mortgage deal you can.
What’s included in our comprehensive report
Our comprehensive pre-purchase damp surveys include:
Thorough Inspection: We examine the property inside and out, looking for signs of moisture ingress, such as water stains, damaged plaster, or mould growth.
Detailed Report: Following the inspection, you’ll receive a full report with findings, including photos, the severity of any problems, and, if required, recommendations for remediation.
A pre-purchase damp survey from an independent, trusted professional protects any investment in a new home and ensures it remains safe and dry.
How Damp Lowers The Value Of Your Property
Damp issues can significantly impact the value of your home or property due to a range of problems that can compromise the building’s structural integrity and the quality of life for the people living in it.
Imagine this:
Expensive Repair Costs: Costs of repair for issues like rotting wood, crumbling plaster and compromised foundations only increase over time. The longer your property remains unsold, the worse its conditions get. Visible signs of damp are also an excuse for buyers to offer well below the asking price, as they’re accounting for the cost of repair on their end.
Health Concerns for Occupants: Damp conditions lead to mould and mildew, which risks the health of people living in the property. This makes your property less desirable, reducing its market value.
The biggest concern most people have about getting a damp survey before buying is that mortgage lenders may be reluctant to finance a home that’s shown to have unresolved damp problems, and the whole deal might collapse. However, the alternative of NOT getting a damp survey is buying a property that has significant defects that will cost you a lot more (in health and money) further down the line. Getting an honest picture upfront also gives you an advantage in negotiating the price of the property to account for these additional costs.
If you’re selling, it’s also in your best interest to identify and address these problems so you can ensure that your property doesn’t sit on the market for too long and that it sells for the right price.
How To React To Prepurchase Damp Survey
Ideally, a pre-purchase damps survey will provide nothing but reassurance, give a property a clean bill of health, and reassure everyone that all is well! However, if not, and a report identifies damp problems, taking the right steps to protect your investment is important.
Here are some tips for responding effectively:
Review the Survey Report Carefully: Thoroughly reading your prepurchase damp survey report is important, as is asking about anything you don’t quite understand.
Consider Repair Cost Estimates: The report may include information on the cost of remedial work. This information can potentially be used to renegotiate the purchase price. Our comprehensive surveys are written in a way that’s clear and easy to understand, and we’re always here to clarify any questions should you need us.
Consider Long Impacts: It may be that the effects of dampness aren’t immediate but may become a concern in the long term. Whether this is a buy-to-let investment, or a property intended to be your ‘forever home’, future-proofing against damp now will save you a headache in the future when the damage will be greater and the repairs more costly.
Get Expert Advice: Purchasing a property can be stressful, but plenty of professionals and advisory services are available to help. Don’t be afraid to ask for help if you need support about the next steps.
Acting promptly on any pre-purchase damp survey results will go a long way in helping you make informed decisions about any new property. The house purchase process can be stressful enough, so it pays to work with professional surveyors who can provide independent advice.
Pre-purchase Damp Survey FAQs
What is a pre-purchase damp survey?
A pre-purchase damp survey is an independent report that typically checks for the impact of damp, mould and timber rot in a property undertaken before a deal is completed. It is a vital step in confirming the property value and is often required by a mortgage lender.
What does a pre-purchase damp survey include?
A pre-purchase damp survey includes a thorough internal and external evaluation of your property using the latest moisture-detecting technology. It will either give a property a clean bill of health or identify the type and location of any damp issues. In the case of the latter, it will also identify their cause, their likely impact on the property and quality of life of residents, and the costs of any remediation work required. Findings from this survey may affect the property value and the amount of finance offered by your mortgage provider. However, this information will allow you to get the issues resolved before investing, or adjust your offer accordingly.
Can I use a pre-purchase damp survey report to negotiate the purchase price?
Yes! If damp issues are detected, you can use the information in our independent professional survey report from to negotiate over repairs with the seller and adjust the purchase price downwards accordingly.
Can you fix damp problems, or do I need to hire a separate contractor?
No, we can’t fix the damp problems ourselves. We are proudly a wholly independent damp surveyor, so we don’t provide additional services. This means that our advice is always impartial and unbiased – we won’t benefit from further works regardless of who you choose to hire to implement the repairs.
How much does a pre-purchase damp survey cost?
As each customer is different, the next step is to fill out the form below to get a FREE quote from us. The quick questionnaire will guide you through receiving the best price by email.