Would you buy a smelly house? Anyone had experience of buying a pungent property?

Windofchange

Our house we moved to last year was quite smelly. It wasn't terrible, but the older son was obviously very into his marajuana, and the lady of the house used this horrendous smelling air freshener and according the the neighbours smoked like a chimney too. The house stunk of dry tobacco, must, air freshener and regret. As per previous posters, a year later and I have ripped everything out - took up all the carpets, tore down the wallpaper and threw out all the curtains. Smells of lovely fresh paint and flowers now, but it took some serious effort. It didn't put us off buying, and wouldn't do again, but I would say the only way you are really going to get rid of bad smells is by tearing everything up. 

JGB1955

Back in the 70's we viewed a house that reeked of curry.  Now, we both love a curry, but the smell was overwhelming - in the carpets, wallpaper, everywhere.... far out of our comfort zone as FTBs.  Move on 6 months and we buy a 1930s semi that has only been owned by the original purchasers.  No 'smell' to speak of, but every time we returned home from a holiday/weekend break, all we would walk in and smell 'old lady perfume'.  It was bizarre, although we could have probably dealt with it by replacing the swirly dining room carpet.  We have lived in our present house since 1985.  I guess that smells of 'old gits' too, but am I bothered?  NO!

lincroft1710

JGB1955 said:

Back in the 70's we viewed a house that reeked of curry.  Now, we both love a curry, but the smell was overwhelming - in the carpets, wallpaper, everywhere.... far out of our comfort zone as FTBs.  Move on 6 months and we buy a 1930s semi that has only been owned by the original purchasers.  No 'smell' to speak of, but every time we returned home from a holiday/weekend break, all we would walk in and smell 'old lady perfume'.  It was bizarre, although we could have probably dealt with it by replacing the swirly dining room carpet.  We have lived in our present house since 1985.  I guess that smells of 'old gits' too, but am I bothered?  NO!

It's almost as if the previous owner retained a key and visited the property when you weren't there. Or their ghost did!