Leak in new house

[Cooljoggings]

We've just completed on our new house, got the keys quite late today and noticed a leak in the kitchen ceiling. There's a largish watermark there that definitely wasn't there on our third in September (the whole process has taken quite a long time!).

We had a builder go in, to look at other cosmetic work, who agreed it was new and apparently still a little damp. We assume it's coming from the bathroom above. My question is where do we go from here? I'm going to contact my solicitor tomorrow, but what can I expect? Buildings insurance includes emergency cover which will incur a £250 excess, do we ask the vendor to cover this?

If anyone has any experience with this I'd be very grateful for some advice!

I doubt you'll be able to get anything from the buyer. Its solely your responsibility now I am afraid. One of those issues you need to budget for when moving. If you have insurance in place I'd reccomend getting in touch.

*vendor not buyer

Is it a new build? If so you may be covered via snagging & new home warranty. If it’s a standard property, non new build I don’t think you will have any recourse via the vendor. Property is sold as seen.

If there is a shower above check grouting, sealant etc. Home insurance won’t cover leaks due to this cause. As falls under maintenance etc.

Hopefully you can establish where the leak is & fix, you may be able to make good the ceiling, with stain stop, fill in the crack & repaint, once the leak is fixed.

I think you have a small number of days so I’d speak to your solicitor urgently.