Extension possibly built over a public sewer

Rebchappers

We are in the process of buying a repossessed house and the solicitor has had some searches back that show an extension at the rear of the property may have been built over a public sewer. The tiles on the roof of the extension also appear to be the wrong size for the pitch of the roof, and so would not conform to building regulations. What are the consequences of this? If we purchase the property, can the council or the water company demand that the extension is demolished? Or will it only be a problem if/when we come to sell the house? Time is of the essence due to the house being a repossession and we have to exchange contracts by 20th Aug else the house will be going to auction. It appears that no planning permission was gained for the extension either as the council have no record of it

Should we just pull out of the sale now?

Thanks

silvercar

If we purchase the property, can the council or the water company demand that the extension is demolished?

Only if there is no other way of accessing the sewer. It is a risk.

Or will it only be a problem if/when we come to sell the house?

Your future buyers may be able to purhase an indemnity to get around the risk, but it could be an issue.

It appears that no planning permission was gained for the extension either as the council have no record of it

May not have been needed if it was in permitted development rights. A small rear single storey extension will often not need PP. How long ago was it built? If its more than 4 years there is little action that the council can take.

The tiles on the roof of the extension also appear to be the wrong size for the pitch of the roof, and so would not conform to building regulations.

Ask your surveyor if it is worth changing the tiles, if not leave it. The council would have to act within a year to force you to make changes. If it doesn't conform to current building regs, you can just live with that.

Should we just pull out of the sale now?

Go with your surveyor's opinion.

Rebchappers

Thanks for that! Its a great help

You mention that any potential buyers may be able to buy an indemnity... is this something we could purchase before contracts are exchanged and what sort of protection would it offer?

silvercar

It covers the loss in value of the property if the extension needs removing. It won't cover things you already know about. If you have already made enquiries and you know the water board have a right to remove the extension, cover would be invalid. If you want cover in case an event happens then you can take out an indemnity.

ukmike

we have to exchange contracts by 20th Aug else the house will be going to auction.

Wouldn't you be better buying it at auction?It could go for a LOT less.