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Original poster

House I'm about to buy is flooded and "uninhabitable"

166 replies

TheAbsentGazelle · 28/12/2022 14:47

So as those who may recognise my username will know, I've recently separated from my abusive ex DP so we put the house on the market and I've had an offer accepted on a new place. We've found a buyer for our house too now and everything was on track to complete by the middle of January.

I've just had a phone call from my solicitors today saying the house I'm about to buy has experienced "significant flooding" and is currently "uninhabitable". No further details yet due to the Christmas break but I believe it's needing all new electrics, a new central heating system, but work has now started on doing the necessary repairs.

The solicitors say I have 2 options.. carry on with my plan of buying this house although they don't have a date yet when it may be finished.. or pull out now and look for another house.

Am I crazy for continuing with this purchase? What if the flooding has affected other parts of the house - floorboards or walls which doesn't become apparent until later? Am I better to just cut my losses and look for something else? It wasn't exactly my dream home but options are extremely limited on the housing market where I am.

Does anyone have any advice on what to do? ☹️

OP posts:
Maytodecember · 28/12/2022 15:35

Personally I’d abandon this one. Although it’s not environmental flooding it’ll take months to dry out and repair and you're right —- there could be undetected damage or even corners cut if the owners know they’re not staying in it.

Melroses · 28/12/2022 15:37

Unless it was a significant doer upper that you were intending to strip down then I would walk away.

It would be ok if you had the means to live in rented while that was done, but it would not seem to be the best time for you to do something like this.

You would be in a very good position to buy if you have sold and realised your assets and a lot of sellers would be much more keen.

If you need to have a proper look to make your decision then ask to see it asap.

MelchiorsMistress · 28/12/2022 15:37

OP your posts are screaming that you need to pull out. You are being crazy to even think about going ahead with this.

UniversalAunt · 28/12/2022 15:39

Buyer beware!

Other houses in good repair will be available.
Your plans will fall back into place.

Damp houses take a long time to dry out & are miserable to live in.
You’ve dodged a bullet.

willstarttomorrow · 28/12/2022 15:39

Our neighbours had similar when away one winter for a few weeks. Their insurance covered everything and basically the house was totally refurbished. It could actually be a long term positive so talk through in the New Year and see if there are any agreements that can be reached.

HotChoxs · 28/12/2022 15:42

If you're going to walk away then you may as well try to assess the damage and try to negotiate a discount first

FrippEnos · 28/12/2022 15:43

you need much more information.
Basically what exactly was damaged,
and what will be repaired/refurbished
only then can you make a considered judgement on what to do.

Original poster
TheAbsentGazelle · 28/12/2022 15:43

Thank you everyone. A mixed bag but lots of things I hadn't thought of to ask my solicitor next week 🙂

OP posts:
cigarettesNalcohol · 28/12/2022 15:45

Definitely move out. It could flood again and again. Plus you'll likely inherit a whole host of problems

DisforDarkChocolate · 28/12/2022 15:45

Flooding from a burst pipe is something that can happen to anyone. I'd ask to view the damage and make a decision then.

Piffpaffpoff · 28/12/2022 15:46

I’d want to understand why it flooded. Broken pipe, fine - external water ingress from river/sea/drainage issues, definitely not.

If it’s been an internal issue then you will be getting a full reno done before you move in which is hugely to your advantage. If this is the case, I’d be trying to liaise with the current owners on the choices such as flooring to make sure it’s either to your taste or at a bare minimum, neutrally inoffensive!

AcrossthePond55 · 28/12/2022 15:46

@TheAbsentGazelle

I've skim read so sorry if this has been said.

Can you go and personally inspect the damage? I know you aren't a contractor, but at least you'd have an actual view of the damage. Better yet, can you take your own inspector/contractor with you? Honestly, I'd want the written damage assessment and repair estimates before I decided what to do. And I'd want to be able to monitor the ongoing repairs. Otherwise you're getting a pig in a 'repaired poke'.

In addition, you have no idea of the quality of the repairs being done. The seller is going to want to lowball repairs to keep their profit as high as possible. Flood damage can lead to mould if proper mitigation isn't done. After Katrina homeowners who thought they'd had their walls fixed properly started having mould problems. In some cases the cowboy contractors had replaced the sheetrock, but hadn't adequately replaced or dried out the studs and other wood framing. Some had even left old nasty insulation in place. In some cases the sheetrock wasn't even replaced, it was just dried, sanded and retextured, then painted.

Frankly, unless this was my absolute dream forever home, I'd bail.

Original poster
TheAbsentGazelle · 28/12/2022 15:48

AcrossthePond55 · 28/12/2022 15:46

@TheAbsentGazelle

I've skim read so sorry if this has been said.

Can you go and personally inspect the damage? I know you aren't a contractor, but at least you'd have an actual view of the damage. Better yet, can you take your own inspector/contractor with you? Honestly, I'd want the written damage assessment and repair estimates before I decided what to do. And I'd want to be able to monitor the ongoing repairs. Otherwise you're getting a pig in a 'repaired poke'.

In addition, you have no idea of the quality of the repairs being done. The seller is going to want to lowball repairs to keep their profit as high as possible. Flood damage can lead to mould if proper mitigation isn't done. After Katrina homeowners who thought they'd had their walls fixed properly started having mould problems. In some cases the cowboy contractors had replaced the sheetrock, but hadn't adequately replaced or dried out the studs and other wood framing. Some had even left old nasty insulation in place. In some cases the sheetrock wasn't even replaced, it was just dried, sanded and retextured, then painted.

Frankly, unless this was my absolute dream forever home, I'd bail.

Yes this is a concern. The sellers said they will complete the repairs "as quickly as they can", but to what standard though?

OP posts:
Badger1970 · 28/12/2022 15:50

It takes months to dry a house out properly after a leak - we had a burst water tank in our loft and we had dehumidifiers running for about 4 months before we could even begin to tackle the damage from it.

I'd be really really wary that it's botched to sell, and you're left dealing with the consequences.......

HotChoxs · 28/12/2022 15:50

TheAbsentGazelle · 28/12/2022 15:43

Thank you everyone. A mixed bag but lots of things I hadn't thought of to ask my solicitor next week 🙂

There's actually not a lot your solicitor can say to you on this one, you'll have to take a view on the damage yourself by visiting the property, with someone knowledegable. If work has started the sooner you go and look for yourself the better.

Though if you're not this clued up I'd suggest just walk away anyway.

Wallywobbles · 28/12/2022 15:51

My parents house burnt down as they were selling it. The sale went through with the purchaser getting the insurance. Might this be an option? Getting the replacements that you actually want.

Original poster
TheAbsentGazelle · 28/12/2022 15:51

Would I be allowed to go back and assess the damage for myself? When I put an offer on the house my solicitor warned me "you won't be allowed access to the property again until everything is complete so now is your only chance to view it again before you put your offer in". I'm in Scotland so the rules are maybe different here.

OP posts:
SamBeckettslastleap · 28/12/2022 15:52

It's all about the money for me. Who is paying for the repairs, will their insurance (do they have insurance) put you up/will they pay for your rent, will they make a significant drop in price, will you be allowed to choose the decor/kitchen etc. Does it need replumbing? Are there other properties to purchase nearby?

If I had to make a snap decision I'd walk away

Original poster
TheAbsentGazelle · 28/12/2022 15:56

SamBeckettslastleap · 28/12/2022 15:52

It's all about the money for me. Who is paying for the repairs, will their insurance (do they have insurance) put you up/will they pay for your rent, will they make a significant drop in price, will you be allowed to choose the decor/kitchen etc. Does it need replumbing? Are there other properties to purchase nearby?

If I had to make a snap decision I'd walk away

Ahhh there are so many what ifs! I don't know what to do ☹️

OP posts:
PurpleButterflyWings · 28/12/2022 15:58

bellac11 · 28/12/2022 15:33

Why?

Show quote history

Are you having a laugh? Shock No WAY would I still go for this house now. Is this YOUR house or something? Wink

PurpleButterflyWings · 28/12/2022 15:59

Wallywobbles · 28/12/2022 15:51

My parents house burnt down as they were selling it. The sale went through with the purchaser getting the insurance. Might this be an option? Getting the replacements that you actually want.

Confused
Spendonsend · 28/12/2022 15:59

My relative had a burst pipe and the insurance company did cover the repairs, which were extensive. But the process was slow. They had to hire big dehumidifiers that sat for a good few weeks before work could start.

NImumconfused · 28/12/2022 15:59

I would run for the hills! This happened to a colleague of mine a few years back. They were away for 10 days or so over Christmas and New year, a pipe burst and they came back to a severely flooded house. They spent about six months trying to dry out the building, couldn't, and ended up having to demolish all the internal walls and rebuild. All in all they were out of the house for nearly 18 months.

brawhen · 28/12/2022 16:00

TheAbsentGazelle · 28/12/2022 15:51

Would I be allowed to go back and assess the damage for myself? When I put an offer on the house my solicitor warned me "you won't be allowed access to the property again until everything is complete so now is your only chance to view it again before you put your offer in". I'm in Scotland so the rules are maybe different here.

We recently bought in Scotland - we saw the house again after offer accepted (to show the children) and then again after missives concluded but before we took possession (helpful seller did a handover & showed us round all the stuff like stopcocks, fuse box, where the lpg pipe runs under the lawn etc etc). So I don't think there is anything legal to stop you going to see it, if the sellers agree. I would have thought it was in their interest to agree, given the circumstances. Worth asking.

HotChoxs · 28/12/2022 16:00

TheAbsentGazelle · 28/12/2022 15:51

Would I be allowed to go back and assess the damage for myself? When I put an offer on the house my solicitor warned me "you won't be allowed access to the property again until everything is complete so now is your only chance to view it again before you put your offer in". I'm in Scotland so the rules are maybe different here.

Ah right. In all honesty if this is the best your solicitor has come up with, walk away or proceed in this situation, I wouldn't even bother proceeding.