Purchasing a conversion property - warranties for building works?

southwestlondon_2

Hi all

We are in the process of going through with a purchase of our first flat. It is a conversion of an old Victorian house, whereby it has been split up into several flats, of which we are (hoping) to buy on of them.

The estate agent has told us that there will be no warranties from the builders as to building works completed as part of the conversion. Is this normal practice? Should we just rely on the survey to draw out any issues?

The development looks good, and the developer has a good reputation, but my naturally conservative mind thinks that I would prefer to have some sort of recourse to the builders if it turns out they've completed the conversion incompetently...

Many thanks for your help!

curedham

I'm in a similar situation although what we're buying is a recently refurbished/renovated period property. The vendor gutted everything and refurbished the house.

I checked with my solicitor, colleagues and others and they all said that builder warranty normally not provided for this but need to make sure that you have the building control certificate of completion to ensure that the refurbishment have been done properly. Also make sure you have the electrical certificate and gas certificate.

If you're using HSBC they may want to see structure defects warranty if the house has been converted < 10 years.