Asking for reduction

[iamdashi]

I never thought we'd have to consider this as I'm against the principle of it, but our structural survey has revealed some issues, and I'm considering asking for a reduction.

A number of issues were identified, including boiler needing to be replaced, repair to roof, weak plaster work, etc. It's a house built around 1900, so this was to be expected, to a degree.

BUT they've also identified lead pipes, which is a major health and safety issue, especially as we have little ones. We're trying to get quotes for remedying this.

Would it be reasonable to ask for a reduction? There was no offer for the house apart from ourselves, and we got a small discount on asking price. But the seller was quite firm in their negotiation.

Any advice would be welcome. Thank you!

@Whammyyammy I live in a Victorian now and it's fine... didn't need that tone from you.

Timperley turns out it's Affinity! I hadn't even heard of them until now. I'll have a chat with them but think we'll still need a plumber to investigate the internal pipes. We'll see

If the coms pipe, from the main in the street to your property boundary, is any length this will probably outweigh the impact of internal plumbing. Some companies used to match householders replacing their service pipe by also renewing the coms pipe. in a good number of older properties the coms pipe can be joint to for example a whole terrace which can be a minefield.

@iamdashi

Thanks all - such mixed stories. I hadn't realised the water company might offer a grant, or test the water. I assume it'll be Thames water in our case as we're in London?

I'm not interested in just assuming it's covered in limescale and moving on. Lead can lead (!) to all manners of problems and I have to be responsible to my young children.

That's fine. It's just unlikely that the vendors will be happy to pay for that for you.

@Whammyyammy

I dont think an old house is for you. Look for a new build

I can see no grounds for that comment.