FTB-Home buyer results - how bad is it you think?

sterl1ng

So this is for a 1 bed ground flr share of freehold flat+ 970yr lease. The other flat above also has had offer I learnt by investor so bit worried they may slack at putting hand in pocket when is comes to any future works. Hoping my legal eagle will clarify on lease detail once he's officially instructed as vendors are still looking.

Below is list of 3s on report

Outside property
Chimney stacks - main stack is shared with neighbouring property. No pots visible. There is some distortion to the side wall of the stack, which is likely to have weakened. Re-pointing is now required and at some time would be wise to check condition of the flaunchings at the top and flashing at base, eventual renewal in metal would be prudent.

Roof coverings - The stepped lead flashing to the front left side do not cover the lead soakers beneath. Consequently the parapet wall is exposed and water will be penetrating into the roof void. Lead flashing is also damaged. Flat roof covering to the extensions appears to be dated and worn. Felt covered roofs an unsuitable for pedestrian traffic. The roof is likely to need repairing in near future and could fail without warning. Note under rating 2 it mentions that the flat roof to front bay is modern in good condition but self adhesive abutment flashing has been used so likely to deteriorate and become detached from front wall in short term so consideration to be given to replacing it with lead flashing housed into the brickwork.

Rainwater pipes/gutters - Significant dampness to right side front wall of the bedroom, with significant dampsness seen to brickwork below DPC level externally. Possible guttering/downpipes are leaking or gulley into which they discharge is damaged. The cast iron downpipe to front of property is inadequately fixed to wall and likely leaking. Further investigation required.

Main walls - Noted indications of rising/penetrating damp at number of points within property. Recommend a firm who deals with treat of damp employed to inspect.

Inside property
Walls/partitions - Indications of dampness found, some significant, also noted to right side of front wall bedroom and the left side rear wall of living room. Further inspection by specialist required.

Services
Electricity - Electrical system apparently been uncertified for number of years, recommend a test should now be carried out qualified electrician. If required we can arrange for a test to be carried out on your behalf which we would recommend should be obtained before exchange of contracts.

Gas/oil - No real issue but appears upstairs flat's gas meter is under our cupboard for ground flat I want to buy but apparently that's normal.

Heating - Boiler was probably installed during last 10yrs, enquiries should be made to legal adviser on service history of boiler installation with evidence then recommend installation inspected by registered engineer prior to legal commitment.

There's quite a few things here to take note, I was going to speak to the legal person first who I am planning to instruct once vendor finds something to see what we can do. Stupidly I told the EA that my mortgage offer is in now BUT I was awaiting on the report.

Any help would be greatly appreciated

Kynthia

I don't know much about getting works done on a property but I have bought a couple if times and nothing there worries me. If I had that report I'd interpret it as:

Chimney stack-needs repointing in the next couple of years which isn't a big job and is normal house maintenance.

Roof-some flashing needs redoing and I would want this done soon to prevent any water getting in and causing damage. I already know flat roofs need redoing more often than other roofs so that's no suprise and it doesn't say it needs doing yet.

Gutters-very minor

Walls-I'd be a little concerned but surveyors often highlight possible damp where there isn't any.

Electricity-surveyors don't test this so always recommend you get someone in.

Gas/heating-same as electricity as surveyors don't check these.

So I'd be pretty happy with this survey. I'd probably pay for an independent damp report to check there's nothing serious before buying, plus an electrical check and a boiler check if there wasn't regular servicing. I would only get someone to quote for the chimney/flashing/gutters before owning the place if I thought I had a chance of getting a price reduction on the property otherwise I'd wait. So I'd consider whether the sellers had lots of other interested buyers, accepted an offer below asking price already, or if it was a rising market and could get more if they put it back on.