We have recently discovered the house we have bought hasñ groundwater flooding in the void under the floorboards after heavy rain, which sits for a few weeks, then slowly drains away (so far).
We have no idea how bad this gets in winter when there is less chance for the ground to dry out, however it puts us at risk of the joists rotting, damp and smells, plus the electrics are under the floorboards.
After talking to neighbours we have been told the previous owner used to pump this water out and we have since found an area of the floor that had been hidden under the previous owners furniture (and ours) that is a 'trapdoor' in the floorboards where it seems the pump would have been used.
Surveys/searches all came back as low risk of flooding. Seller has clearly declared there is no history of flooding to any part of the property, which clearly specifies ground water as part of the question.
What realistic recourse do we have regarding this? I feel quite aggrieved as we had other concerns regarding the house and had we known about this issue it would have tipped the balance and we wouldn't have bought it.
We would be looking at improving drainage planting and ventilation to try to prevent and if that fails possibly filling in the floor void with concrete and would be looking for damages relating to this plus the fact we now have a house we would struggle to sell as we would need to declare it.
If we pursued this how likely is it we would be sucessful? If they just deny it is that all they have to do?
Would a solicitor take it on a no win no fee?
We need to weigh up if its worth pursuing, worth the time money and inevitable stress. The sellers only live one street away so I see them most days at the school gates. (Not confronted them yet)
I know we need proper advice but jist wondered if anyone had any realistic advice before I went further with this.