Buying House in area affected by Radon Gas

Francesanne

Feeling really anxious after discovering the house we're buying is in an area (Devon) affected by Radon Gas. Had no idea until our long awaited Homebuyer report finally arrived (4 week wait) yesterday. It states "The property is in an area affected by radon & you should ask an appropriately qualified person to assess the property (albeit noting that the minimum testing period is 3 months)". Our vendor stated on property form the house hadn't been tested for Radon. No mention of the problem from our solicitor. I've emailed solicitor relevant concerns & she'll receive that in the morning. Very stressful time moving house & really didn't need this extra worry. Has anyone else experienced Radon Gas concern?

Davesnave

Although parts of Devon have high levels of radon, and most places in London, where you live now, are relatively radon-free, there are many more dangerous pollutants in London's air than you'll find here!

As yet, you don't know the risk level of this property, but even if it turns out to be high, there are relatively cheap methods of lowering it considerably.

In short, your lungs will be better-off in Devon than in the Metropolis, and if you've chosen a quiet part, your stress levels should be a good deal lower too!

harrys_nan

http://www.ukradon.org/information/ukmaps

Have a look at this, and take notice of the above posts. Enjoy living in Devon.

bouicca21

Well I had the same information turn up on a search in a bit of London that used to be Kent. I have gone ahead and bought, but have ordered a radon test kit to establish whether there really is a risk (the search seems to be fairly blunt, and attaches to a very wide area rather than to any specific property).

For Devon I would suspect the risk area is far more extensive than in bits of Kent. Why don't you investigate the risk maps to see if they apply to the whole of the area in which you wish to buy, because if they do, that search result is going to turn up on every property.

littlesnuggy

Firstly don't panic! All buildings everywhere in the country contain some radon, it is just that some contain higher levels than others. The maps showing areas most likely to be at risk are not definitive anyway, and high levels can in fact be found anywhere (and equally low levels are present in most places).

If you want to move to Devon then the word 'radon' is likely to come up on every single homebuyer report. If you've found a house that you like, don't let this put you off, but it would be sensible to carry out a test at some point.

You can either carry out a 10-day 'screening' test which will tell you whether radon is likely to be a problem, or wait until you have moved in and then carry out a full 3-month test. Radon levels fluctuate all the time, so a 3 month test will give a more reliable result. Exposure to radon is a long term issue too, so don't panic about what the levels might be during those three months. If you do go down this route, you might want to discuss a 'radon bond' (retention) with your solicitor so if high levels are found and you need/want to carry out works to reduce them, this can be paid for out of a sum of money held back from the purchase price (ie paid for by the vendor).

This is a useful video explaining the basics of radon
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qhdR5SlqpcI

Francesanne

I know I'm a natural born worrier and likely to be over reacting to the possibility of radon being found in property. Decided to pay small fee to get Public Health England report of address search for Radon Risk. Property is in a Radon Affect Area as defined by Public Health England. The estimated probability of the property being above the Action Level for radon is: 5-10%.
It states this does not necessarily mean there is a radon measurement in an existing property. Thanks to everyone for help & comments. I'm sure the pace of life & clean air in Devon more than makes up for the worry over Radon. Won't be sad to leave the pollution of London.

WobblyDog

I wouldn't worry about it either. Various relatives of mine have lived in Devon, pretty much every house survey mentions it but few people worry about it. If, as your profile suggests, you've got a dog, the ventilation provided when opening the doors to let it in/out of the garden will probably help as well.

Francesanne

WobblyDog wrote: »

I wouldn't worry about it either. Various relatives of mine have lived in Devon, pretty much every house survey mentions it but few people worry about it. If, as your profile suggests, you've got a dog, the ventilation provided when opening the doors to let it in/out of the garden will probably help as well.

Have 2 pups dogs so plenty of door opening��.

harrys_nan

Where abouts are you moving to?

Loopy28

I live in Cornwall and had the same radon warning when I purchased my property.

We were sent devices after we moved in to place in two rooms in the house for 3 months and sent them away to be told that the radon would not pose any health risk at the levels detected. I think most houses in devon and cornwall will have a radon warning, it personally doesn't concern me too much.

Francesanne

harrys_nan wrote: »

Where abouts are you moving to?

We're moving to Plymstock in Plymouth.