advice please!

richierobot

Hello! Ive just had an offer accepted on a property. However we know that the property was underpinned 25 years ago. The town is largely a clay area. We have looked through the internet and keep reading different views on this topic. We were told by the Estate Agent that the previous purchaser pulled out due to 'cold feet' after being told that the house was perfectly safe. However im not naive enough to believe that the agent knows all. We checked the house as thoroughly as we could and could see no sign of cracks etc. We are also in the throws of arranging a full structural survey. Any advice from anyone?

A_Nice_Englishman

You've done the right thing in getting a full structural survey.

Now wait and see what the surveyor says

richierobot

its a very expensive thing though. Is it fair, after a price has been agreed to negotiate to go halves on the survey with the vendor?

A_Nice_Englishman

As far as I know it's always the buyer who pays for the survey. The cost is very small compared to to what you are paying for the property, and well worth it to have peace of mind I think.

If the survey finds problems which you weren't aware of when making your offer, you may be able to negotiate a lower price or withdraw like the previous buyer did.

richierobot

Forgive my complete innocence; ive never purchased a property before. They should pay for the survey because its had underpinning or because thats the norm. We havent been asked to pay for the survey on our current place?

A_Nice_Englishman

Because it's the norm. The surveyor is working for you, the buyer, to report on the condition of the property. His report will help you decide whether to buy the property at the previously agreed price (if it's basically OK), reduce your offer (if there are significant problems) or withdraw altogether (if it's really bad).

Think of it as like an AA or RAC inspection of a used car.

richierobot

oh yes sorry, i misread before! :rotfl: Thanks for your help. Im sure of the place hasnt moved in 25 years it should be sound.

Doozergirl

OP, A Nice Englishman is saying it would be normal for you to pay for the survey on the house you are buying.

The survey will provide you with peace of mind. I doubt very much that there is any problem with the house. The fact that the last buyers were uneducated will hopefully mean you get a great house

A_Nice_Englishman

No problem.

Hope the survey turns out to be OK and your purchase goes through smoothly

tartantabby

Many older houses show signs of movement whether the ground is clay or not. The key thing to watch out for in the survey report is whether there has been any recent movement.

Good luck!

richierobot

Well lets hope it all comes back okay! The vendor is being very helpful I must say. They currently insure with Morethan. Has anyone got experience with them or are there better companies anyone can recommend.