buying house - drain problems disclosed - insurance problem?

waterwatereverywhere

Hi

My sister and her boyfriend are buying a house and the sellers have just disclosed that there have been drain problems. Apparently the mains sewer in the road had to be replaced (this was done by and at expense of council/water board) but more worringly the private sewer serving the house had to be replaced (and garden dug up). Sellers said this was paid for by insurance.

So far no paperwork has been produced to confirm any of the above. What should they be asking for here?

Has anyone experienced anything similar and what precautions should friends take to ensure they're not going to end up buying a house that will cost lots of money to sort out problem drains and/or be subject to blockages/flooding?

Could they ask sellers to pay for and produce a drain inspection report to inspect drains now and see if they are deemed okay?

Also does anyone know what would happen re getting buildings insurance when they move in? I know insurance companies always ask if you have had any claims - are you duty bound to declare a claim you know was made by a prior owner and to declare the (past) drain problems? Worried they either won't be able to get insurance at all or it will be much more expensive because of the history.

Very, very grateful for any advice if someone has knowledge or experience in this area.

david29dpo

Of course they can ask the seller for a report (i would) Do they know for sure the private drains were an insurance claim?

waterwatereverywhere

Hi,

Thanks for your reply - they haven't seen any proof that it was an insurance claim - the sellers have just written on the property information form that their solicitors sent that it was the subject of an insurance claim but no further info. has been given at all.

david29dpo

Chase up the claim with the company.

Fire_Fox

If the drains have all been replaced I would see that as a plus point not a worry there will be flooding!

Horizon81

You'd need to get buildings insurance arranged before you move in and it's obviously worth getting quotes now. You have a 'duty of disclosure' when getting insurance and I think it's fairly obvious that you should mention the drain issue.

How can people seriously consider lying to get buildings insurance? It's null and void if you don't tell the whole truth!!!