Is 'damp' something I -have- to tell prospective buyers about?

t1redmonkey

So long story short, I accepted an offer on my property about a month ago. The buyers pulled out after a survey where some evidence of rising damp was found to the front of my house on one of the walls.

I'm wondering now, because I have further viewings coming up, is this something I need to disclose to buyers? If not, should I tell them anyway to avoid the possibility of them pulling out for the same reason?

Thank you!

Okydoky25

It's going to come out in the next survey so to be fair on any prospective buyer yes you should be honest and save them wasting yours and their time and their money

DaftyDuck

I'd certainly declare it, but more than that I'd see if it could be cheaply sorted before sale. Never worth hiding the obvious, it'll be found on survey and either delay sale, or cause a pull-out.

ValHaller

DaftyDuck wrote: »

I'd certainly declare it, but more than that I'd see if it could be cheaply sorted before sale. Never worth hiding the obvious, it'll be found on survey and either delay sale, or cause a pull-out.

The above answers whether you should declare it - it is in your interests to do so.

But as for having to declare it, no you don't, because you don't know that there is damp for a fact. All you have is hearsay from a survey someone else has paid for.

The distinction can be quite important. A few weeks ago there was a thread from someone who was selling who had a last minute gazunder attempt based on a supposed survey very late on towards exchange - which revealed 'subsidence'. The poster was asking whether this had to be declared to future buyers if he remarketed.

Fairly clearly, this poster had no means of validating the surveyor's credentials nor access to the report - and given that the alleged subsidence was in all probability bogus, I could not see any reason to give the survey any credence.

Rachylou1981

I have damp in my fire breast walls and it eventually cracks the walls open and looks a mess. I usually re-plaster and paint and it sorts it for a while. I would hate to keep this from potential buyers but I don't think I have much option. As a buyer, if someone told me the house had faults before I had even made a decision then I think it would sway me towards a 'no'...I think its best to let them get a professional opinion and make their own decision from that.

I will probably have the cost of the re-plaster/paint job and a damp proof course quote ready to hand to show potential buyers...after survey if they are still interested and I wouldn't be adverse to reducing the house price by that amount either.

I must be honest though this damp is stressing me out and I am worried it will stop a sale . I am getting a builder in to give some advice this week.

t1redmonkey

Well I guess my next question then, is how do I tell buyers? After these next few viewings, I'm going to be marketing with a high street estates agent instead since it's taking up too much time doing them myself. Clearly it wouldn't be a good idea to say it on the listing.

I was truthful with the estate agent and I mentioned the previous pullout after the survey, and they said they would mention it if anyone asked about previous offers that have been made. Should I tell them to tell everyone upfront or...what's the best way to do it?

go_cat

Have you looked into how much it would be to rectify...damp is a deal breaker to most buyers

DRP

3 coats of damp proof paint may put the surveyor's moisture-meter off the scent...

Rachylou1981

DRP wrote: »

3 coats of damp proof paint may put the surveyor's moisture-meter off the scent...

I did wonder if that was worth a buy when I paint over the re-plastering

Yorkie1

If someone asks the question then you cannot lie.

But buying a house is caveat emptor so there is no legal duty to disclose it up front.

I'd perhaps consider getting an independent damp expert in to do me a report and so you know whether a) it's true, and b) it's worth fixing before sale.

Soleil_lune

LOL, why wouldn't you?