What’s my next move?

dazedandconfused123

https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/comment/82018197#Comment_82018197

Hi WIAWSNB,

From what the surveyor could see inside the property, there was no water ingress, signs of mould or major internal damage caused by the roof. However, the surveyor stated that "some general maintenance is required to the main roof and associated areas, and recommend an overhaul is carried out to include clearing the moss, checking the security of the ridge
tiles and copings. Some repairs to the render serving the party wall are necessary and checking the cement
mortar pointing between the roof tiles and external brickwork to the perimeter of the property".

The house is very good value, expecially in my area. Similiar properties are currently listed for about £20k more (but prices are being reduced regularly).

I've arranged a roof inspection with a different roofing company and have asked them to advise me on the urgency of the work following their inspection, so I'll see what they say and contact the EA.

The house is nearby, but it's difficult to take pictures from the street. The surveyor did provide a good range of pictures, so I've got an idea of what the issues he identified look like.

No issues were identified with the extension on the roof, thankfully.

😂I think my preference for a Victorian property just comes down to location. My friends who've bought new builds live in/around Essex, where new houses are always being built. New build houses are less common near me and the ones that are built are out of my budget (£600k+).

WIAWSNB

https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/comment/82020409#Comment_82020409

Cheers.

I'm not going to lead you to a false sense of security, but it all sounds 'ok' :-)

Ie, the issues found are typical, and to be expected. In reality, most folk would live in the house until something happened - a damp patch in an upstairs corner - and that is likely to take years. Then they'd have it fixed. When you buy/sell a house and have surveys, that's when surveyors will rightly pick up on everything - it's their job.

So, make sure you can handle such a bill when it arrives - as I said, potentially adding it to your mortgage later on - and use it to try and haggle a bit. Even a £ewk is nice… See what the seller says. If they react badly, and/or threaten to pull out, then you know to back down if you want the place!

Let us know what the new roofer says. After they've had a looksee, and given you a £allpark, ask, "I need to save up, so when is this likely to become an actual problem - a leak?!".