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Original poster

Roofing issues on selling property

20 replies

Elendon · 05/02/2017 12:03

The buyers got a good deal on the price reduction (I'm in the NW) but now have come back to say that a roofer (who spent all of 20 minutes assessing this problem), has suggested the roof is about to fall down. The total cost to fix it is £5000. It was vague, pipes leaking inside the roof that has structurally damaged the property.

I've had a plumber in and he said the attic is solid, the roof was fine with a few lifted tiles and moss. He actually apologised on behalf of his trade.

Should I just put it back on the market? I've found a great property I like, I've had a home survey done on it. I can afford this at the reduced price, but not their extra reduced price.

Do I meet them halfway? The plumber said put it back on the market and get the lifted tiles sorted.

OP posts:
wowfudge · 05/02/2017 12:29

What did the buyer's survey say about the roof? Have you had any problems with the roof or not?

user1477282676 · 05/02/2017 12:30

Don't you need to get a roofer to look at it rather than a plumber? Confused

wowfudge · 05/02/2017 12:34

Presumably the plumber has looked at the allegedly leaking pipes up there?

missyB1 · 05/02/2017 12:38

what does the actual survey say? did you get a buyer fairly easily? If you are confident you can get another then pull out of this sale. But you need to be sure this issue wont come back up again

user1477282676 · 05/02/2017 12:57

Wow yes but you need a roofer to understand the structure and where the damage is...plus how devestating (or not!) this damage is.

Original poster
Elendon · 05/02/2017 13:00

I don't know what the actual survey said, but my estate agent has requested the actual details and costings. There are no leaking pipes. He spent quite a while going through it with me. Then he looked outside and could see no other issue other than the moss and a few lifted tiles. I could fix the problem myself as I have the funds to do it, it wouldn't cost anymore than £500. I will now get another opinion. I have a good roofing contractor in mind, via a recommendation. Thanks for your replies.

OP posts:
Original poster
Elendon · 05/02/2017 13:03

The plumber, who is specialised in plumbing in the roof, said the rafters were solid and that there were no leaking pipes. He was aghast that this was actually said to be the problem.

OP posts:
Original poster
Elendon · 05/02/2017 13:08

I got the buyer after 7 viewings.

OP posts:
Original poster
Elendon · 05/02/2017 13:13

There was once a problem with the overflow pipe, but it didn't result in flooding. It was easily remedied.

OP posts:
Original poster
Elendon · 05/02/2017 13:14

The overflow pipe works btw. It was a problem with the ballcock.

OP posts:
Original poster
Elendon · 05/02/2017 13:28

I went to see a property recently that actually should have required a hard hat on entering it was in such an appalling state. I used to work in architecture, was married to an architect, and have a good friend who is a partner in a large practice.

Friend says it's a con - he's been to my house.

OP posts:
SouthPole · 05/02/2017 13:30

Say ok and put it back on the market.

SouthPole · 05/02/2017 13:31

Capitulate now and you're in for a world of pain with this buyer.

Original poster
Elendon · 05/02/2017 13:53

Thanks SouthPole I will ring the estate agents tomorrow to say they have a reduction in price and if they are not happy they can move on.

I will have to give up on the property I wanted and suck up the £450 I paid to have a survey on it.

C'est la vie. But property is a huge expenditure and I want to spend my money in a positive way. I'm a cash buyer.

OP posts:
SouthPole · 05/02/2017 16:18

Why do you have to give up on the one you want? Skim read!

Original poster
Elendon · 05/02/2017 16:46

I'm a cash buyer dependent on this sale. SouthPole

We were all signing contracts etc and then the buyers do this. So enraging.

OP posts:
Borisrules · 05/02/2017 16:56

Get your own quote in writing for making the roof good get it to EA for buyer to view and then make some form of negotiation based on this.
Decide above all what your bottom price would be and don't go below this.

Borisrules · 05/02/2017 16:57

If you're so far down the line with this, it's less likely they'll pull out and more likely they are chancing their arm a bit...

Original poster
Elendon · 05/02/2017 17:10

I think they are chancing their arm a bit..

But why do this at this stage, they are supposedly desperate to get into the house.

OP posts:
JaniceBattersby · 05/02/2017 17:25

Then just tell them no, sorry, you won't accept any further reduction in price. It's basically a game of chicken. You can win it OP.

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