Structural Survey

didgemaster

Hi Forum.

I have a question around structural surveys. I am selling my late uncle's house and the buyers survey stated there may be an issue with a wall that holds up a section of the garden and possibly a lintel above one of the windows. The Buyer's mortgage company won't offer them mortgage until a structural survey is carried out. I have been asked to pay for this, however I thought that this would be the buyer's responsibility as it is they who want the mortgage. My estate agent seems to think it is down to me to have the survey done as I own the house?!

So who should pay for the structural survey?

Thanks in advance

didgemaster

I forgot to mention the property is in Wales in case there are any local rules that may apply

FinallyStoppedLurking

Generally the buyer would pay but in reality, the party with the most power can avoid paying for the surveys. The sale will fall through without this survey as they won;t be able to get a mortgage. If that happens the next buyers may be in exactly the same position. They may be willing to pay for the survey, they may not.

You could go back and refuse but risk losing out. Are you confident you could find another buyer and achieve the same price? May be worth paying if not.

youth_leader

I was put under this pressure by my EA,as a gesture of 'good will',  although only £300 for a damp/timber survey, their rationale was that I would 'own' it and could show other buyers.  If I had my time again I would refuse, although the risk is the buyer will withdraw.  

happy_2008

If the seller pulls out you will have the same problem again with the next buyer if they refuse to pay for it again. For the sake of £300 i would just pay it.

thearchitect

Just to be clear, by "structural survey", OP, you mean a survey by a structural engineer?   The cost for that will, in the current market, be likely nearer £450-500 plus VAT.

greatcrested

If the buyer wants/needs a structural engineers report, they should pay for it.

Having said that,if they refuse to do so, preferring to find another property, then you lose the sale.

Whether the next buyer's mortgage lender repeats this is anyoone'sguess.

Frankly, a garden wall is generally irrelevant.

As for the lintel, is this above a replacement UPVC window? Often old wooden window frames provide support for the wall above,and when removed and replaced with (much weaker) PVc frames there can be a problem. Or is something else going on?