FTB underpinning dilemma

ledders1

I had an offer accepted on a 2 bed victorian terrace a couple of months ago. Paid for a full survey which revealed that there had been some structural work (including underpinning). It also said there was no sign of movement now. I passed it on to my solicitor to chase up the paperwork. It seems he did nothing until I pointed out to him last week that the surveryor advised the mortgage company not to pay out without paperwork.

The mortgage lender seems to have ignored/not seen this advice because it has made an offer anyway.

The current owner of the house says he didn't even know there'd been any work - he bought the house for his daughter to live in some fifteen years ago, then rented it out. So he has no paperwork, although there is something to suggested the house had several improvements done under a council grant in 1984. I don't know if this work was included.

The Council has no record of any work being done. It gets rid of records after 15 years.

My solicitor says he doesn't know what to suggest.

I've heard about two options - getting a structural engineer to look at the work or getting some sort of indemnity insurance. I don't know whether either of these will solve my problems which are that:

- I could end up paying for more structural work

- I might not be able to get building insurance

- my mortgage lender might withdraw its offer

- Future buyers will have the same problems and may not be able to get a mortgage.

Can anyone help? My solicitor is useless.

silvercar

you have got a mortgage so I don't see why anyone else would have problems.

You've had a full survey which showed no movement. Your house is probably the sturdiest on the block!

If the underpinning was done ages ago and there has been no movement since I wouldn't be too worried. If it had been underpinned recently then I might be nervous.

I don't see why your mortgage provider will withdraw their offer. They've made the offer already, you haven't lied on your application form, so why should they withdraw it?

Check the building insurance situation and provided you can get insured I would go ahead. If you have building insurance I don't know why you would need an indemnity as well.

itsakidsworld

If you want piece of mind then why not call a structural engineer and ask them how much a full report would cost?

If the work carried out has no paperwork then you may need something in writing anyway for the insurance company.

Ask the owners to share the cost as it will benefit all parties.