To question radon in house search

[UniqueShaker]

My partner thinks I am being unreasonable in our house search. We found a lovely house a few months back but both mutually agreed that there was a few things that didn't sit right with us with the property. We decided to expand our search further and found an area we adore.

On research it seems the area is high in radon. 10-30% apparently. The neighbouring area, which we also love, is 30%. On more research we both found we grew up in a 5-10% radon area, but apparently minimal radon protection is required for those levels.

It's not only the radon that's worrying me about the property we like either, it's also been sat on the market for up to two years. It's been listed with 3-4 different agents and I can't understand why. It is beautiful and needs no work. The seller said she thinks the house is struggling to sell as people will feel isolated in the area but that is not the case. The area is semi rural but clearly not isolating and other houses in the area are selling fast. It's a 5 year old property and the estate agent said new builds aren't selling. But new builds in the area are. I'm wondering if radon is putting people off? But also it seems the area is full of farm houses or very large 4-5 bed houses, or 2-3 bed cottages. The property we like is a small 4 bed and they seem few and far between in the whole area, so perhaps that's why? As for not much more money people can buy a larger 4 bed? Also there's only about 3 of these houses been built on the same estate so we know our chance of a 4 bed in the area within our price bracket will be slim if we walk away from this house.

Partner and I both agreed we can compromise on the size to live in the area. But partner thinks I am being unreasonable to potentially walk away from another house we like based on the radon percentage and the fear of the length of time the property has sat on the market.

What would you do? Am I being unreasonable? Do you live in a radon area and if so do you do anything to take precautions?

I'll add I've never been like this in a house search before. We're totally relocating and I think that is causing me to question everything and look so deep.

@AgreeableDragon I know that makes me question things even more! I found some old reports somewhere from the appeals to build on the site with residents worrying about the past use of the land. The council said there was no risk and properties could be built. So I am trying to tell myself that that must be ok!

But thanks everyone you've all been very informative. It gives me some things to think about and the options I can take.

You can't know if the house itself has high levels without getting it tested. I had my solicitor arrange a radon bond. 2.5k held by the solicitors and then tested once moved in. If there had been high levels the bond would have gone to me to rectify it, of not returned to vendor.

It might help to get a radon test done and consult with a mitigation expert—sometimes seeing the actual levels and knowing there’s a solution can ease some of the worry

It’s totally valid to be cautious — radon is a real health concern, and if something doesn’t sit right with a property, it’s okay to take a step back. You’re not just buying a house, you’re choosing where to build a life. If you’re both uneasy about certain things (like radon, or why it hasn’t sold), it’s worth digging deeper or moving on. Peace of mind is hard to put a price on.

How many times do you hear about someone being ill from radon either personally or on the news? I never hear it. So I don’t worry about it.

It's the second most common cause of lung cancer after smoking, causing the death of 3 people a week in the UK.

At the action level, the radiation dose is over ten times that which is allowed to a member of the public living next to a nuclear power station.

Just because public awareness is poor doesn't mean its not a real hazard.

We had this concern with our house when moving from London to a part of wales where the radon is basically high everywhere
dh was pretty worried about it so he got the radon testing kit after we moved it and monitored that for months and it came back all okay. Ours is also a relatively new build so maybe the protection measures are doing their job

Get a radon test done—if levels are high, you can ask for a mitigation system before buying.

If you love the house, consider getting a radon test and budget for mitigation if needed. It’s a common issue and usually easy to fix.

“It’s reasonable to consider radon, but it can be tested and mitigated. I’d get a test done to know the exact levels, then weigh that with the house’s positives and how rare a 4-bed in the area is.

As above, a 5 year old new build should have Radon mitigation measures built in, these will be part of the NHBC certification.

I thought Radon was a type of washing powder 🙂

No, that's Radion? But you can get Nuclear washing powder in Spain.

But this thread is pretty old. I wonder if the OP bought the house and if there was a high radon level?

I wouldn’t say you’re being unreasonable. Radon can be tested and mitigated fairly easily. If you love the house and area, consider getting a professional radon test before deciding—then you’ll know what, if anything, needs to be done and can make an informed choice.