Buying a house Scotland

lassik

Hi, just looking for some input anyone may have. We are looking to buy a house in Scotland. It has been on the market for a while. We are fully aware that it needs upgrading and have accounted for this, for example upgrading bathrooms, kitchen, windows and doors.

The home report states (category 3): 

The roof tiling is old original and mostly in the latter stages of its performance life.

The manufacturers of concrete roof tiles expect that a roof tile will normally last

for approximately 50 years. This should be taken into consideration having

regard to the age of this property. Increasingly frequent maintenance expenditure

will be required in the absence of renewing the roof covering. We noted some

adjacent properties have already had their roof coverings renewed.

The attic has been partially floored and lined with roof ties altered. It is understood

these works were carried out without building warrants and completion

certification. The valuation assumes the local authority would not promote any

action which would involve meaningful expenditure in this regard. Some lenders

may insist on reinstatement of roof timbers or a satisfactory engineers report

confirming the integrity of the attic.

There is evidence of condensation within the roof void which is symptomatic of

inadequate ventilation in the roof void. Sarking panels in the attic were noted to

be damaged and moisture stained. Increased levels of ventilation in the attic will

be required.

The sloping roof over the single storey rear extension has a very low pitch angle

which adversely affects performance of the covering, particular under extreme

weather conditions. It would be prudent for a roofing contractor to inspect the roof

and advise on the suitability of the covering. Recovering should be budgeted for.

The 2 storey roof covering is topped with felt covering. felt coverings have a short

life expectancy. Any purchaser should seek further advice from a roofing

contractor prior to purchase commitment.

Does anybody have any knowledge as to whether fixing the issues with the roof, those listed above would be hard to repair or very costly? Is a mortgage likely to be refused with the above issues? The other Cat 3 issue is the wiring.

Thanks for taking a look and for any insights you can offer. Very much appreciated.

theartfullodger

get a couple of roofing companies and builders to advise on costs.  i'd be happy to pay for estimates were it me.

Do you need a mortgage?


use your eyes and ears (chat to neighbours).

the weather is in general more extreme in Scotland than England.  I owned property in the Highlands for over 20 years.

what does your Scottish solicitor suggest?

Can you afford to gamble?

upgrading kitchen, windows, doors, bathroom is a waste of money if roof fails.

lined with roof tiles?  sounds very dodgy - why would anyone do that?

lassik

Hi, thanks for your response. The weather isnt too bad, it's Glasgow and we actually live round the corner to this house. We do need a mortgage but have a good deposit. 

I don't mind getting a few companies round to give us a rough estimate but not sure if the home owners would be ok with this. There's a reason why it's been on the market a while, usually houses in this area sell very quickly. 

CSI_Yorkshire

theartfullodger said:

lined with roof tiles?  sounds very dodgy - why would anyone do that?

I think it says "partially floored and lined" then additionally (with) "roof ties altered".

koalakoala

Does the price reflect the work needed?

lassik

It was initially listed as offers over to 340k but after a few months they lowered it to a fixed price of 320k. In its current condition the survey says it's worth the 330k mark (their survey in the home report)