survey done- some issues

mutley74

Hi
just had a survey done for a property I am buying.
Issues identified include
=minor roofing repairs such as pointing
=potential blocked or broken drain at front of house
=dampness in kitchen (maybe condensation?)
=valuation £10k lower than my offer (house is valued at the same price vendors bought it ten years ago!)
=Electrical unit is PVCu type and should be checked

I sent a copy of the relevant pages to the EA who has passed them on to the vendor. I have been told that the vendor has cleared the drain and awaiting electrician to check consumer unit and EA has called someone to check damp.

As its my first time buy, really need some help? Vendors are really keen for a fast sale, hence why they seem pro-active to sort out the issues.
Is it essential I get 2nd opinion on the drainage and dampness issue? Who pays for a drainage inspection?

Also should I be concerned the house has not appreciated in value in 10yrs? I see the area as in demand as its close to a train station, shops and schools.

Thanks

martinthebandit

The only potential big problem in that list is the low valuation which will have an affect your mortgage offer.

mutley74

martinthebandit wrote: »

The only potential big problem in that list is the low valuation which will have an affect your mortgage offer.

don't need mortgage, private financed deal

Surrey_EA

Doesn't sound like there's much to worry about there.

Not price increase in 10years is a little odd, but hardly unheard of in parts of the country.

Building regs requiring consumer units to be metal rather than plastic only came in over the past couple of years, so it is likely the vast majority of consumer units in homes throughout the land are PVCu, nothing to worry about.

If you want a drains test it's up to you to pay for one.

Flutterbat17

We have paid for a CCTV drains survey, but we really needed it because property is 150 years old! But it will give you piece of mind knowing your drains are ok and not cracked or blocked. A cracked drain can cause issues with damp and more serious problems if left. Cost us …£105

chappers

mutley74 wrote: »

Also should I be concerned the house has not appreciated in value in 10yrs? I see the area as in demand as its close to a train station, shops and schools.

Thanks

Whereabouts in the country is it.

mutley74

chappers wrote: »

Whereabouts in the country is it.

In Tyneside. House is built from the 50s.

vendor seems to have cleared any blocked as water seems to flow well. If a drainage survey is required who pays - vendor or buyer?

troffasky

The person who wants it pays for it, ie you.

I would be happy to buy a house that hadn't had a decade's worth of inflation, but as to whether there's a specific reason this house hasn't inflated for 10 years is down to your researches to find out.

mutley74

troffasky wrote: »

The person who wants it pays for it, ie you.

I would be happy to buy a house that hadn't had a decade's worth of inflation, but as to whether there's a specific reason this house hasn't inflated for 10 years is down to your researches to find out.

I asked the Surveyor why house has not appreciated in 10years, he thinks the post code area has not appreciated. Although searching for a long time now all I have ever seen is house prices keep going up!!!

kinger101

mutley74 wrote: »

I asked the Surveyor why house has not appreciated in 10years, he thinks the post code area has not appreciated. Although searching for a long time now all I have ever seen is house prices keep going up!!!

The £10K difference is more of a problem on a £50K house than a £500K house. If you intend to live there over a long time, it matters even less so. Having said that, I'd be inclined to see if they are willing to negotiate on price. But there may be no room for movement if there's an onward purchase.

thmaga

On the electrical installation, I can only second that the PVC unit in itself its nothing to worry about.

Warning signs should be the lack of an RCD or old style fuses.

In any case, given its a new property to you, it would be prudent to have an Electrical Installation Condition Report conducted by a qualified electrician to confirm everything is in order - its what you can't see (missing earth cables, poor DIY additions etc) that can be an issue.