Will Swallow's Nest Affect Sale?

Kvictoria88

I have recently sold a property and we're going through the motions with an aim to exchange next month.

Over the last couple of months since the house was put on the market and the offer accepted, we've noticed swallows nests at the front and the back of the house. I'm no bird expert but by the looks of it they will be there for at least another few months so more than likely when it comes to completion they will still be there.

I know that I can't disturb their nests and I wouldn't want to anyway, but do you think I should declare this to the buyers now? Particularly as you aren't really supposed to remove their nests even after they leave for the winter as they will come back next year.

Would appreciate any advice TIA

Riggyman

Don't worry about it. Swallows is normal and welcome.

Kvictoria88

That's a relief, thank you

casper_g

Kvictoria88 wrote: »

I have recently sold a property and we're going through the motions with an aim to exchange next month.

Congratulations on finding a buyer, but if you hope to exchange next month then you haven't sold this property yet. Don't count your (swallow) chicks before they've hatched!

Kvictoria88 wrote: »

Over the last couple of months since the house was put on the market and the offer accepted, we've noticed swallows nests at the front and the back of the house. I'm no bird expert but by the looks of it they will be there for at least another few months so more than likely when it comes to completion they will still be there.

I know that I can't disturb their nests and I wouldn't want to anyway, but do you think I should declare this to the buyers now? Particularly as you aren't really supposed to remove their nests even after they leave for the winter as they will come back next year.

Would appreciate any advice TIA

I don't think the swallows should be a problem, unless the buyer's a bit silly! I'd quite like to see them there, as long as the nest wasn't in a particularly inconvenient location (e.g. right over the front door causing a mess).

SG27

I'd love a swallow nest!

Kvictoria88

I do like having them there and they provide my 2 cats with hours of entertainment, but they are in a slightly inconvenient location...they're right above the vent at the top of the window so I'm afraid to open the window in case it damages the nest. I do need to have a proper look though to make sure.

kingstreet

I love the house martins who nest in our gable end every year.

However, their propensity to dump on my car as they enter and leave the nest is a little annoying.

G_M

I'd be inclined to warn the surveyor when they (or whoever) books appointment to do survey. Just warn them not to disturb the swallows.

There is an outside chance the survey report will mention their presence, possibly even with a recomendation that the gap where they nest be filled after they've gone, and a nervous FTB might panic and think it's a serious issue.

Keep_pedalling

They won't be there for months, once this brood has fledged they will be feeding up getting ready for migration which starts in September.

They should be back for the new occupants come April next year, assuming you are out by then.

AlexMac

I wouldn't even mention it to the agent or surveyor. After all, swallows are welcomed by most people, so I'd regard them as a pleasant surprise bonus. And if your buyers are ornithophobics, or just not wildlife - lovers, it'll only give them one more thing to worry about in an already stressful time.

You wouldn't normally think to inspect for other wildlife (we had a wasps' nest once in the loft), and while it's wrong to lie about stuff like subsidence or flooding when completing the standard pre-sale enquiries, avian wildlife don't feature among the questions.

The general rule is caveat emptor hirundo rustica!

Out,_Vile_Jelly

Surprised your agent didn't market them as "inbuilt free pest control", considering they hoover up nasty flying insects every evening for you.