persimmon part exchange survey found damp

her1980

Hi I'm looking to see if anyone has been in a similar situation with a new build part exchange. I have a circa 1900 mid terraced house which I'm part exchanging for a new build. Persimmon have advised that they need the guttering looking at as well as a damp specialist to assess the ground floor of the property.

I've been told to get quotes for the work. The guttering isn't a problem however after hours of being on the phone this week for the damp I've found out that to get a standard free quote this will be by a builder who will quote for damp works without understanding if there is an issue. I've been told to obtain a survey by a qualified professional who is not linked to a contractor so it's completely independent. My issue lies in that persimmon want two quotes and the independent survey costs on average of £240 each! I took this back to them and was basically told to get free quotes and if I wanted to pay it was up to me.

I'm in catch 22 where a big quote would hit my px offer yet if I wanted to prove the other way it's going to cost me nearly £500. There's no water marks on the walls and the wood laminate flooring has no signs of damp in all 7 years of living here. The surveyor was vague suggesting there maybe rising damp but no details as to why apart from the meter he put into the wall (which ive been told can detect any moisture)

I'm waiting on the sales advisor speaking to her manager Monday however I'm worried they are going to pull out of the deal. It seems all on their terms even when most people I've spoken to are shocked they aren't doing the leg work and cost of additional investigation as they are buying it.