Homebuyers Survey - Share of Freehold '60's 1st Floor Flat

Jepster

Hi,

I've had a Homebuyers survey done on a 1st floor flat in a 1960's purpose built block. In the two bedrooms the current owners have recently had automated extractor fans installed to try and solve a mould problem arising on the exterior wall running along both rooms.

We understood from the vendors that this had resolved the problem, but the results of the Homebuyers suggested otherwise, in that the surveyor believes the damp is penetrating.

Any ideas how I should progress with this? I like the property, but don’t want to be lumbered with a damp issue I can’t resolve

The overall valuation of £300,000 is £17,500 less than the accepted offer price of £317,500.


Below are the relevant bits (I think) from the homebuyers:


"Overall the property is considered to be a reasonable proposition for purchase however the agreed purchase price of £317,500 is in my opinion too high. I recommend you renegotiate, especially as there will be repair costs in respect of management of dampness, replastering and redecoration"

E4 "The main walls are of cavity construction, although the inside of the cavity has not been seen. The external surface is of fairfaced brickwork.The cement plinth surrounding the base of the walls prevented inspection of any damp proof membrane.
I noted repair work to the right hand wall of this building which is the external wall of the two bedrooms affected by dampness.

Furthermore, I noted poor mortar pointing to the other walls within the building and it appears that this wall has recently been re!pointed. I also noted two repaired mortar points (drill holes) which may indicate that the wall has been cavity filled.
Condition Rating 3

F3 "The internal surfaces of the external walls are of plastered solid masonry which have been papered or painted.The bedroom external walls show high readings of dampness, when tested with an electronic moisture meter.I also noted significant horizontal and vertical cracking and dampness to the internal plaster surfaces to these rooms and you must anticipate replastering of these walls once repairs have been done.

Note: Whilst the walls are adequately vertical they will require ongoing maintenance and replastering works after damp treatment and the external source of dampness has been identified and remedied correctly.
Condition Rating 3

J1 "I noted evidence of penetrating damp to the left hand wall of the bedrooms. The property has suffered from historic movement in the form of repaired cracking to theright hand wall and a crack to the front wall.
Your Legal Advisers should confirm whether any structural repairs have been made to this property and the exact reason for the attempted repairs."

Thanks yet again,

Jepster

Lord_Baltimore

Very difficult to second guess the opinion of your expert without seeing the issues first hand.

This site might help.

I should say as a matter of netiquette that the site is often a point of reference recommended by one of this forum's most knowledgeable contributors, G_M.