Load bearing wall removed

peacetrustlove

I’m in the process of purchasing a 2 bedroom BTL property. The valuation report mentions that a load bearing wall has been removed from the property. The vendors did not disclose this in their statement. I’m not sure if it was removed before the current vendors bought it in 2004. 

After mentioning this to the agents, I was told that the vendors are happy to provide insurance for this. What are my options here? My mortgage offer is out and we can exchange contracts tomorrow. But im not in a rush and I’ve asked to see what kind of indemnity insurance they are providing. 

Should I go for a structural survey? The property was built in 1930s. 

Carrot007

peacetrustlove said:

But im not in a rush and I’ve asked to see what kind of indemnity insurance they are providing. 

It will be against the council claiming it is not up to BR etc. It will not help you if it falls down. Or course it is likely to crtack first and need doing properlt at some time if it has not been. It will not cover any of that.

Depends on how long you plan to live there to what I would do. My mothers ex council house which repalced load beraring windows with double glazing (by the council back in the day) took around 35 years to show any issues. And it was not a overly expensive to recfify. (just one window). But who knows.

Noneforit999

peacetrustlove said:

Should I go for a structural survey? The property was built in 1930s. 

Yes, 100%.

If you are unsure about the wall in question and there are no details on when it was removed and if building regs were obtained, ensure you get a structural engineer to take a look.

Reality is that the house is not falling down presumably but I certainly wouldn't chance it unless I was absolutely sure it was done properly at the time. 

peacetrustlove

Noneforit999 said:

peacetrustlove said:

Should I go for a structural survey? The property was built in 1930s. 

Yes, 100%.

If you are unsure about the wall in question and there are no details on when it was removed and if building regs were obtained, ensure you get a structural engineer to take a look.

Reality is that the house is not falling down presumably but I certainly wouldn't chance it unless I was absolutely sure it was done properly at the time. 

Thanks. Who generally pays for this survey, the vendor or the buyer ? I’ve never needed one, so I don’t really know. 

Section62

peacetrustlove said:

Noneforit999 said:

peacetrustlove said:

Should I go for a structural survey? The property was built in 1930s. 

Yes, 100%.

If you are unsure about the wall in question and there are no details on when it was removed and if building regs were obtained, ensure you get a structural engineer to take a look.

Reality is that the house is not falling down presumably but I certainly wouldn't chance it unless I was absolutely sure it was done properly at the time. 

Thanks. Who generally pays for this survey, the vendor or the buyer ? I’ve never needed one, so I don’t really know. 

The buyer should commission and pay for it - see here for what can happen if you don't....

https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/6339776/survey-found-more-problems-incorrect-information

The difficulty you may have is to get a meaningful report there will need to be 'intrusive' investigations (e.g. removing bits of plaster and/or floorboards). Vendors are typically reluctant to let their home be pulled apart in this way.  You'll need to negotiate with them, and decide what to do if they aren't cooperative.

user1977

Bear in mind any survey is likely to require to make holes to determine what (if anything) is holding things up - you'd need the vendor to agree to that before bothering to instruct one.

Slithery

The buyer.

cx6

Also bear in mind that this is a BTL and as such you have responsibilities for the safety of your tenant (s)

For example, if you KNOWINGLY let it, aware that the house has a structural problem (ie a load bearing wall removed) without disclosing that to the tenant, and if something happens, you will be in a lot of trouble.

peacetrustlove

cx6 said:

Also bear in mind that this is a BTL and as such you have responsibilities for the safety of your tenant (s)

For example, if you KNOWINGLY let it, aware that the house has a structural problem (ie a load bearing wall removed) without disclosing that to the tenant, and if something happens, you will be in a lot of trouble.

That probably is a the best piece of advice I have received so far. 

I’m grateful to all who have contributed. 

Having had a chat with a survey company, they have advised me that I’ll have to get structural engineers involved instead to ensure that the correct measures have been put in place of the load bearing wall. This means that there will be destruction of aesthetics. 

I have decided and told the agents that I’m only happy to proceed if the vendors get the work regularised from the council. I would unfortunately have to pull out of the transaction otherwise.