New roof on side extension now requiring Indemnity Policy ??

1931modela

We have sold our house and completed the initial Enquiries Form, Our buyers solicitors are now asking for more details for a flat roof we had replaced over 10 years ago with regard to certification, we understood at the time that this was permitted development. Should we just pay for the Indemnity Policy. They are also asking for details, premiums and excesses for building insurance esp flood damage for the last 3 years, again is this necessary. We do have Insurance and have not made any claims but being near the River Thames we are in a Flood risk area.
Our answers in BOLD

13. Under cl. 5 & Schedule (esp. para. E, F, H) external

alterations, boundary changes and drainage works require the

Transferor’s consent and shared drains must be maintained.

Please confirm (and provide copies) of any written consents

obtained for:

a) the flat roof renewal;                                                                        

b) creation/alteration of any hardstanding;

c) any external lighting, aerials/sat dish, fences or gates; and            

d) any sheds/outbuildings.

e) If unavailable, please confirm no objection has ever been

raised and whether you will agree to an indemnity on

completion.

Answers to Above A,B,C,D & E   Unavailable, Agree to Indemnity Policy subject to cost

14. A new flat roof is stated to be “same as old”. Re-

roofing/thermal element upgrades usually require Building

Regulations sign-off or a Competent Person certificate.

Please provide the sign-off or competent roofer’s certificate;

otherwise confirm willingness to provide indemnity.

Answer: Unavailable, Agree to Indemnity Policy subject to cost

15. a) b) c) d) Flood risk / insurance (Groundsure = High overall; historic

1968 flood recorded; groundwater risk “High”)

Please confirm:

a) whether the property (including garden/outbuildings) has ever

flooded, or had groundwater ingress, damp to sub-floor voids,

or sewer surcharge;

b) whether any basement/cellar or below-ground void exists and,

if so, any sump pumps/drainage installed;

c) details of buildings insurance for the last 3 years: current

insurer, premium, excesses (especially flood), and any claims

or refusals.

d) If available, please provide any flood resilience/resistance

measures and whether you’ve registered for EA flood

warnings.

Answers to A) Never while we have lived here or to our knowledge

                    None 

                    C) No claims made, Admiral Insurance provide building Insurance

                    D) None needed and we are registered with EA for flood warnings

16. CON29DW shows foul and surface water both connected to

public sewer and a surface-water charge is payable. Please

confirm there are no soakaways, private surface drains, or

package treatment systems serving any part of the property,

and that all rainwater goods discharge to lawful outfalls.

Answer: None that we are aware of, Rainwater discharges to lawful outfalls

eddddy

1931modela said:

...we understood at the time that this was permitted development. 

Here's some info on when a Building Control application is required for roof work:  https://www.planningportal.co.uk/permission/common-projects/roof/building-regulations-work-to-an-existing-roof

If you want (and if appropriate), you could say something like "We do not believe that Building Regulations sign off was required because.... However, the buyer should make their own enquiries to satisfy themselves that this is correct, and/or proceed with indemnity insurance, if they wish."

1931modela said:

They are also asking for details, premiums and excesses for building insurance esp flood damage for the last 3 years,  again is this necessary. 

You could say that none of this information is "necessary".

It's more a case of "What will the buyer's reaction be if I refuse to provide the information requested?".

Will they go ahead and buy your house anyway? Or will it make them nervous and possibly make them walk away?