No Building Warranty on old converted flat

mlokane

Hi,

We are looking to purchase a flat that was converted from the original house into three flats over 20 years ago. As it was converted so long ago, the sellers solicitor has informed our solicitor that there is no building warranty such as NHBC or even an architect's certificate. The vendor has offered an Indemnity Insurance Policy but this will only protect the mortgage lender and not us or any future buyers.

I'm wondering whether we would be able to go back to the vendor and insist on a policy that would also cover us and any future buyer for any losses due to the work? Is this type of insurance available?

Hope someone with some experience of this could help.

Thanks,
Matt

vintagebrighton

Surely after 20 years any issues would've surfaced by now? I'm sure everyone would like an insurance policy that covered them for every eventuality forever but I don't think there's one out there Surely if it's mortgageable then there aren't any obvious major problems? Have you had a full survey done? What specifically are you concerned about?

mlokane

vintagebrighton wrote: »

Surely after 20 years any issues would've surfaced by now? I'm sure everyone would like an insurance policy that covered them for every eventuality forever but I don't think there's one out there Surely if it's mortgageable then there aren't any obvious major problems? Have you had a full survey done? What specifically are you concerned about?

Thanks Vintagebrighton - this has only been raised by our solicitor as a potential issue. We would be at risk for any defects, which for us wouldn't be a problem (assuming the full structural survey passes - as you say after 20 yeears you'd think it would be okay) but they have warned us that it could affect future saleability which is the big thing that really worries us!

Thanks,
Matt

G_M

This is absurd! An NHBC only covers new builds for 10 years. Where does your solicitor think a 20+ year warranty is going to come from? They don't exist which is why people get surveys done.

I'd be wondering what kind of solicitor you have.

CapJ

G_M wrote: »

This is absurd! An NHBC only covers new builds for 10 years. Where does your solicitor think a 20+ year warranty is going to come from? They don't exist which is why people get surveys done.

I'd be wondering what kind of solicitor you have.

Perhaps he is raising all possible issues to cover his backside? I agree this is sounds like a poor solicitor. Most houses don't have this warranty (and all were new build / conversions at some point) as older than 10 years. At what point, according to your solicitor, would houses stop needing the certificate / warranty? More than 20 years it seems - perhaps 50?!!!