Buying holiday cottage in radon gas area!

[MrsMummyBx]

Advice needed please! We are buying a holiday cottage in the Yorkshire Dales in an area which seems to be in the highest possible concentration bracket (30% of homes being above the recommended level). Most homes in the Yorkshire Dales would fall within the area which is affected by radon and within that, lots (but not all) within this 30 percent category. Should we be concerned?

I note that the usual tests are for 3 months and require the property to be occupied with the same inhabitants-which we won't be able to do as we won't be there continuously/will be renting it out. I think there are some 7 day tests but as they only give a snapshot aren't thought to be very helpful. So not sure how we are going to test properly? We could consider retaining sums from the seller to fix any issues but not sure how we properly identify them in the first place!

Is this something we should be worried about? this is clearly a common issue in the whole area and wondered if anyone had any advice? I've got a 2 year old and dont want to expose him to nasties without knowing the facts! Thanks so much in advance xx

I can’t tell you anything scientific i’m afraid, but just in case it helps i grew up in a very radon-heavy area of cornwall and there were no particular health concerns flagged. Houses are traditionally built with “radon sump/sink”, a lower area near the door as radon is heavier than air, where it collects and is dispersed outside. Under floor ventilation does the same thing.

Anecdotally, I don’t think anyone in my village had a higher cancer risk than elsewhere, and indeed my grandfather lived to 92 and his father to 99 quite happily.

I live in a place with very high radon. I don’t think it’s ever been an issue except when someone moves into the area, asks a question about it on the local FB page and everyone just says it’s fine. We have a cellar that we’re not allowed to convert into a habitable bedroom because of it, but it’s not considered an issue at all.

highest risk is for smokers, presumably your kid does not do that. and of course driving there is much more dangerous for the kid and you.

you are more important as the breadwinner, but as noted dont build in the basement and if you are really worried you can take measures. I also live in a radon area, much better than choking in a city!

I wouldn’t be overly concerned either, particularly given it’s not going to be your permanent residence (radon was my Masters dissertation subject BTW).

Have the vendors ever done a radon test? If so, get a copy of the report. If not, you could still do the 3 month test even though it will be less accurate to give you some idea of your indoor radon levels (although as it won’t be as accurate I would query being able to use it as evidence for keeping a retention for any potential remedial works).

What kind of floor is in the property - solid or suspended? Is there a cellar or basement? Basic remedial works aren’t massively expensive - you’re looking at up to around £800 to £3k.

If you are using a local solicitor for the purchase then s/he should also be able to advise you.

I really wouldn't worry about the radon.

Be aware though that second home ownership in the YDNP is a controversial issue at the moment and there has been local campaigning around it.

www.yorkshiredales.org.uk/living-and-working/other-services/press-office/news/recent/second-homes-proposition-killed-off

Although it's been put on the back burner for now I wouldn't be surprised if there is a renewed attempt to significantly raise council tax/ local ownership clauses on resale etc for second homes in the coming years.