Surveys back, how to negotiate

[gotthearse]

We have made an offer and it's been accepted. Have had a walk about with a surveyor and subsequently got roof and damp/timber survey.

The roof overhall will be 3.5k and the damp works 4k. What can I reasonably negotiate off the price?

Apart from these things the place is generally in good order. There is a roof over the back extension that is ok now but not for too much longer that would be another 3.5k in the next few years. None of these were massively obvious on viewing.

Depends on the offer price and age of the house? In an older house, I'd expect to have to do some running maintenance anyway - but I think the damp is the thing to concentrate on. What % of the price is the 4k? if it's anything significant then raise with the seller.

All roofs eventually need replacing - the surveyors always mention this so I think you can only negotiate if it's fairly imminent ie the next year

As for the damp proofing 4K is a lot of cash and disruption so if you are getting that done I would do it before you move in.

With all considered I would offer 5k lower and see what they say

Damp proof is a PITA because as well as the actual cost of the works then there's the associated redecoration expense etc.

Could you see from outside (standing in garden looking up at roof) that it was likely to need doing? Might be argued that you should have expected that one. If it was not obvious from outside then you have a better chance. Also, depends on your original offer, really.

I think as always it depends on the particular house / circumstances e.g. if vendor priced it knowing that there were works / improvements to be done, how it compares to other sold prices in the road, how much under the asking price you've offered, whether the quotes you've had are reasonable, whether there was other interest and vendor could easily replace you, whether you'd be prepared to walk away. And most importantly whether mortgage valuation says whether the house is worth what you've offered in its current state.

I agree that it really depends on what the valuation on your survey is. If it hasn't been downvalued despite the work, the vendors may be very unhappy about any attempts to renegotiate. That's especially the case if they turned down other offers to accept yours.