Cash buyer and they didn't have a survey!

todayisagreatday

Luckily this isn't me as I had a full building survey.

This is on behalf of a work colleague who I think has been a bit silly. They bought a property cash (downsized to a bungalow so were cash buyers. To save £ they didn't have a survey (I know!)

The seller was very helpful apparantly and gave them lots of information, e.g. their chancel repair check, their valuation when they bought it (though it was only a drive by) and actually by all accounts seems to have been more than helpful. There was nothing that apparently that gave their cause for concern. Modern 1990s bungalow. Gas Safe certificate all provided, regular services etc. I did at the time say I was surprised they didn't want a survey.

Everything has been fine until they have looked to do some major work to extend and long story short, the builder expressed concerns and they have had a RICS person out who has said the property has ground movement. Basically lots of concerns. They had the sellers details and have phoned them up and they said they had no knowledge of any issues.

I am guessing it's their own fault for not having a survey!

Cakeguts

That is what the survey is for.

bobbymotors

''I am guessing it's their own fault for not having a survey!''

Got it in one. Nothing they can do.

todayisagreatday

Exactly my view too! Made me very relieved I had one. Yes we spent just over £1k on surveys but at least I know it isn't falling down!

AnotherJoe

Unless they had a full blown survey specifically looking for subsidence, then an ordinary survey might well have missed it and it would likely have had enough caveats to absolve the surveyor of any responsibility. He could probably have used the caveats to shore up the house but it's likely that's as much use as it would have been.

If his house is covered by insurance, that may well pay for any building works needed.

todayisagreatday

AnotherJoe wrote: »

Unless they had a full blown survey specifically looking for subsidence, then an ordinary survey might well have missed it and it would likely have had enough caveats to absolve the surveyor of any responsibility. He could probably have used the caveats to shore up the house but it's likely that's as much use as it would have been.

If his house is covered by insurance, that may well pay for any building works needed.

I did say that. I haven't seen the full survey but it doesn't sound good. By the sounds of it the sellers weren't aware either having not done any structural work, just new kitchen, bathroom etc and they didn't have a full survey either. They bought it 15 years ago so it would have been just over 10 years old then so I guess they didn't think they needed one.

Now they can't put the extension on without major ££ she has said she may sell but I guess they will have to mention it to any future buyer, unless they just hope any future buyer doesn't have a survey!!

Tough lesson..

EachPenny

todayisagreatday wrote: »

Exactly my view too! Made me very relieved I had one. Yes we spent just over £1k on surveys but at least I know [STRIKE]it isn't[/STRIKE] I have someone to sue if it does fall[STRIKE]ing[/STRIKE] down!

With apologies for the alteration

getmore4less

The builder expressed concerns

What did the builder spot?

Any signs on the others on the street.

unusual to hit just one property unless it is/was something very local like a tree.

Sounds like they(old owner) may not have known or had anything done or there may be an insurance trail to prove they new and did not disclose.

todayisagreatday

I'm not entirely sure, something to do with the floor being uneven and cracks. I'll try and find out. It's only a small cul-de-sac of 11 houses (some bungalows and some houses, all built at the same time same builder) some have had conservatories etc, building work etc, no trees.

It all doesn't seem to make sense, I mean from what I've read here if it's some kind of major issues, rarely does it effect one property if they were all built at same time.

Over the weekend she mentioned the report they have had and it sounds suspicially like a Homebuyers (can you do these post purchase??)

I'll try and see the wording. I wonder if it's a combination of builder making it seem bad aka opportunity to charge for extra and backside covering in the report.

eddddy

todayisagreatday wrote: »

Over the weekend she mentioned the report they have had and it sounds suspicially like a Homebuyers (can you do these post purchase??)

If you suspect ground movement, you would explain your concerns to the surveyor and ask them to inspect and report specifically on ground movement. (You wouldn't ask for a generic survey like a Homebuyer's report.)

todayisagreatday wrote: »

It all doesn't seem to make sense, I mean from what I've read here if it's some kind of major issues, rarely does it effect one property if they were all built at same time.

It depends on the soil type.

If the soil is sandy, a leaking mains water pipe or drain can wash away the soil under the foundations of the house.

If the soil is clay, trees can suck the water out of the clay causing it to shrink under the foundations. Or you cut down a tree, the resulting extra water in the clay can cause it to swell under the foundations.

Any of the above can cause structural problems in just one house in the street.

dunroving

eddddy wrote: »

If you suspect ground movement, you would explain your concerns to the surveyor and ask them to inspect and report specifically on ground movement. (You wouldn't ask for a generic survey like a Homebuyer's report.)



It depends on the soil type.

If the soil is sandy, a leaking mains water pipe or drain can wash away the soil under the foundations of the house.

If the soil is clay, trees can suck the water out of the clay causing it to shrink under the foundations. Or you cut down a tree, the resulting extra water in the clay can cause it to swell under the foundations.

Any of the above can cause structural problems in houses.

Or in the case of my first house, a leaking water pipe next to the house can cause clay soil to swell over the years.