Radon Gas - Is it an issue?

stu007

Hello.

I'm a First time buyer just recieved my contract from my solicitor along with all the results from the searches.

In the local search it states
" The search reveals that the property is located in an area affected by Radon Gas. Radon Gas occurs naturally, seeping up from the bedrock below the foundations of the property. It does not always follow that a property constructed over an area of geology from which Radon Gas will seep will be affected"

How serious an issue is this?

Has anyone else had this show on a report? What did you do?

Thanks, Stuart.

dollarjon

I wouldnt buy a house that has Radon issues - but it depends on the 'extent' of the the problem radon is pretty common and natural

adr0ck

every house is affected by radon too some extent

obviously some more than others

how old is the house?

this will tell you if its had a radon barrier installed?

adr0ck

following link will answer most of your questions

http://www.hpa.org.uk/radiation/faq/radon/index.htm

seems you can get a test done for £40

Rick62

Radon has become a house buying issue in recent years, where before it was not worried about so much. Radon is basically naturally occuring low level radiation from rocks. There are a few arreas where it is more prevalent, eg Cornwall. When I sold my last house in Henley the survey or serches said that there was a 1% chance.

The buyers asked (and I agreed) for a £1000 retention with the lawyers, they then tested for Radon (you buy a kit for about £30, but it takes 3 months). In my case it was OK, had there been Radon you either install some sort of barrier or you just improve ventilation under the ground floor, either way the cost would genrerally be a few hundred pounds.

So generally it is not an issue at all and should not put you off buying.

adr0ck

radon causes 1% of all cancer deaths in the uk each year

see following link

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/health/4113765.stm

how old is the home your looking at?

if its a new home your ok...if not as rick says you'll probably need to keep £1000 back from the sale to install equipment if necessary

please remember this shouldnt put you off buying a property as radom occurs everywhere

stu007

The property was built in 1969.

On further reading of the property report it states
"Between 1% and 3% of homes are above the action level"

adr0ck

if theres a problem then you would need to buy the £1000 kit to make safe

however as you say theres only a very small chance

but its worth using as a negotiating tool

MJMum

If it's in a Radon area, it doesn't automatically follow that it will be affected. We are buying a house in Devon smack bang in the middle of Radonville, but the house was recently tested and came in well below the "action level". So no problem. (Although we will probably think about making the improvements suggested above once we move in anyway).