We'd like to remind Forumites to please avoid political debate on the Forum... Read More »
PLEASE READ BEFORE POSTING: Hello Forumites! In order to help keep the Forum a useful, safe and friendly place for our users, discussions around non-MoneySaving matters are not permitted per the Forum rules. While we understand that mentioning house prices may sometimes be relevant to a user's specific MoneySaving situation, we ask that you please avoid veering into broad, general debates about the market, the economy and politics, as these can unfortunately lead to abusive or hateful behaviour. Threads that are found to have derailed into wider discussions may be removed. Users who repeatedly disregard this may have their Forum account banned. Please also avoid posting personally identifiable information, including links to your own online property listing which may reveal your address. Thank you for your understanding.
We're aware that some users are experiencing technical issues which the team are working to resolve. See the Community Noticeboard for more info. Thank you for your patience.
📨 Have you signed up to the Forum's new Email Digest yet? Get a selection of trending threads sent straight to your inbox daily, weekly or monthly!
Risk of missing documents
Options

fountainradar
Posts: 18 Forumite

Hi,
This is for a detached house in England.
There was an extension done (maybe over 20 years) and there is no paperwork for it. Nothing has showed up in the searches either.
The chimney stack is removed. Whilst this may not require consent from neighbours as the property is detached, there are no drawings or supporting information for this job being done correctly.
Finally, some works were performed on the walls (noted by the surveyor). The seller can't recollect (as she has dementia) the details of the work.
How do people tackle such situations?
This is for a detached house in England.
There was an extension done (maybe over 20 years) and there is no paperwork for it. Nothing has showed up in the searches either.
The chimney stack is removed. Whilst this may not require consent from neighbours as the property is detached, there are no drawings or supporting information for this job being done correctly.
Finally, some works were performed on the walls (noted by the surveyor). The seller can't recollect (as she has dementia) the details of the work.
How do people tackle such situations?
0
Comments
-
You get your surveyor to inspect and tell you whether there is anything to worry about. Paperwork from 20+ years ago isn't particularly relevant (and doesn't prove that nothing else has been done, or that the property hasn't deteriorated since then).1
-
When I sold my house, the purchaser's surveyor requested plans for an extension which had been built in the 1970's. I have never had any, and just told them this. Building regs and planning permission criteria have changed beyond all recognition in the last 20 years, too.
As David says, get your surveyor - or a structural engineer if necessary - to inspect the works; if they're OK, then carry on with your purchase.0 -
So long ago.Paperwork irrelevant.Only thing that matters is the current condition of the property.0
Confirm your email address to Create Threads and Reply

Categories
- All Categories
- 350.8K Banking & Borrowing
- 253K Reduce Debt & Boost Income
- 453.5K Spending & Discounts
- 243.8K Work, Benefits & Business
- 598.6K Mortgages, Homes & Bills
- 176.8K Life & Family
- 257K Travel & Transport
- 1.5M Hobbies & Leisure
- 16.1K Discuss & Feedback
- 37.6K Read-Only Boards