Survey turned up £4500 worth of building work

[LukeSkywalkerBoots]

Hi all

The survey on the Victorian semi we want to buy turned up a number of things, but none of them seemed particularly pressing apart from pointing needing doing on the chimney, damp timber in the loft which means some roof work, and a French drain needing to be created all around the house to help with damp. The surveyor recommended some builders and we got one to quote- total came back as £4500!

The house was on for 400-425 but as they’d been on for 6 weeks with no offers and were desperate to go we secured it for 385. To accept that offer they had to work our a saving by negotiating down on the house they want also, so their budget is tight and so is ours. I don’t think they’ll be happy to reduce their price because of the survey. So frustrated and annoyed that it’s the end of the day and I can’t phone the agent and have the awkward conversation. Arrrrggghhhhh!

tbh 4500 is not a lot for general repair for a period property sadly.
as only a small portion is urgent I would possibly go ahead.
as seller I wouldn't reduce unless the recommendation comes from an independent surveyor. (some) builders take the piss when quoting on genersl issues like that.

We had various things on our house survey we are slowly working through 3 years later.... we’ve probably spent around £10K on roof repairs, pointing, drains, lintels, new boiler. It was nothing major or too worrying as such but we loved the house. It’s a 30s semi so will need maintenance continuing.

Wouldn’t have asked for a reduction as they took our asking price offer ( despite slightly higher offers) due to our position to move quickly. If you are already buying with a reduction from asking id not be asking for more money off.

Agree with everyone above. I wouldn’t jeopardise anything by renogotiating given what you’ve bought it for etc.
What I would do is get another quote.
I’d also at some point let the seller know the amount but say you are not going to renogotiate. This just in case any hiccups along the line and they then know you are serious and that if they for any reason were to consider putting back on market those issues would raise their head for anyone else. Kind of helps to lock you in.
I too thought you were going to say far far more.

another thing to consider - a house that age will need quite a bit maintenance anyway. at least 1k a yearjust general repairs to keep it in good condition.

Really £4500?!! Ours came back with £52,000 worth of work. Do you want to swap!!!