Extension - listed as 'Building work complete'

Gazelle1985

Hello,

We're buying a house which had an extension 20 years ago (before the current owner moved in). On the council's website it's listed as 'Status: Building work complete', but the seller doesn't have a completion certificate. The survey didn't pick up any problems with the extension, but would it be advisable to insist on indemnity insurance? We are likely to want to do more work to the house so will be getting Building Control round to inspect future work.

Thanks

davidmcn

I wouldn't get worried about it after 20 years, the council aren't going to suddenly be interested, especially if it originally had consent and they're already aware that it's complete. By all means ask the seller for an indemnity policy (if you don't have a mortgage lender who's insisting on that anyway) as it means you don't need to pay for one when a future fussy buyer/lender asks you for it.

G_M

I agree with davidmcn above except that by instinct I resent this modern habit of buying needless indemnity policiees at the drop of a hat.

They (almost) never get claimed on and are just cash in the insurance company's pockets.....

AdrianC

There are three questions that need to be answered...

1. Are you concerned about the condition of the building work?
It's 20 years ago, so any issues are as likely to be down to deterioration and poor maintenance as poor workmanship. A decent survey will tell you more than a 20yo piece of paper would.

2. Are your lender likely to have any issue?
It's possible, but unlikely.

3. Are the local authority likely to launch any action over the lack of sign-off? Simply... No.

2 and 3 are the only ones an indemnity will do anything about. It will do nothing whatsoever about 1.

davidmcn

AdrianC wrote: »

There are three questions that need to be answered...

1. Are you concerned about the condition of the building work?
It's 20 years ago, so any issues are as likely to be down to deterioration and poor maintenance as poor workmanship. A decent survey will tell you more than a 20yo piece of paper would.

2. Are your lender likely to have any issue?
It's possible, but unlikely.

3. Are the local authority likely to launch any action over the lack of sign-off? Simply... No.

2 and 3 are the only ones an indemnity will do anything about. It will do nothing whatsoever about 1.

or as I mentioned

4. Is a future buyer/lender going to demand that you obtain a policy?
If so then you'll have one ready to wave at them, which you managed to get some other mug to pay for :money:

Gazelle1985

Thanks for your replies. I agree - it does seem unnecessary, but there is so much conflicting information online.


One thing I would like to know - if the status online is 'Building work complete' does this mean that the council have inspected and signed off the work? And for some reason the completion certificate just isn't there?