Asbestos in house we are buying

[PurpleFlowersInMyHair]

We are buying a probate house that we know has asbestos due to the property design (standard house for the area). Visually we think we spotted it in the original fitted wardrobes (1950s). I think- but not sure- it’s been removed from rest of the house.

What should we do now? We’re just starting the conveyancing process. Should we ask our solicitor for advice? Pay for an asbestos report ourselves or are the vendors expected to provide it?

I doubt the vendors would pay for it, I wouldn't have! We're selling a house with asbestos to move to a house with asbestos, it's really not come up as an issue- you just expect it in a house built around the 50s and 60s. Its only an issue if the asbestos is broken or disturbed which should be spotted on your survey.

I’m not expecting for the vendors to pay for the removal- I just wasn’t sure if it was expected to produce a report on prevalence- a bit like expectation for electrics cert and boiler inspection

It's only a problem if broken, disturbed, drilled or damaged. If undisturbed, it won't cause any problems. If you want it removed, you'll have to employ specialist contractor which can be pricey.

We definitely do want to remove the asbestos because the built in wardrobes are bloody horrible. What sort of budget would be looking at? It’s not our house to do a sample on yet, hence my original question.

You could probably get an asbestos company to visit the house in order to quote before proceeding further just as you might ask a roofer to check the roof for repairs or replacement? If its hugely expensive you might then be able to re negotiate the price your paying.

If you want an asbestos report, you pay for it, same as you pay for a survey.

I'm with bilbodog, why should you not negotiate on the price if asbestos is found?

It should be flagged as a possibility by your surveyor and then you'd pay for a specialist survey. We had that happen here, the company came round and tested the ceiling, fortunately it was clear.

Just to update- the vendor has arranged for an independent asbestos report. We didn’t even ask- it was something the estate agent asked they do, which I find surprising given the comments here.

We will of course pay for removal. Won’t be negotiating on price based on asbestos being present. However I’m hoping they will let us in before completion to remove it because I’m pregnant with young child. Will be easy to sort before as house is vacant. I know this isn’t guaranteed but it’s something I’ll be pushing for.

As I said it’s not an option to leave the asbestos undisturbed for anyone as it’s exposed- has a rough texture iyswim and also the wardrobe construction is a very poor/ dated so the majority of purchasers would want to remove it I imagine.