Selling a property can be a complex process, and one of the biggest challenges owners face is ensuring their property is in the best condition before putting it on the market. While some minor cosmetic issues might not deter buyers, drainage problems can significantly impact the sale price and even make it difficult to sell at all.
If your building has drainage issues, you may have to reduce the asking price or carry out repairs before you can attract serious buyers. But what if you’re not aware of any problems? That’s where a pre-purchase drain survey comes in. It can reveal hidden drainage faults before they become a deal-breaker for potential buyers.
You can sell a property with drainage problems, but you might have to accept a lower valuation or risk putting buyers off altogether. Most buyers conduct thorough property checks so they know they’re not taking on expensive hidden issues. If they discover problems during their own drain survey, they could negotiate a significant reduction in price to compensate, and possibly more so for the time and money they would have to set aside for repairs. They could even pull out of the sale entirely.
It is also important to remember that sellers do have a legal obligation to disclose known drainage problems. Failing to do so could lead to legal disputes if the buyer later finds serious issues that weren’t mentioned before the sale.
How Drainage Problems Affect Property Value
How Drainage Problems Affect Property Value
Drainage issues can have a serious negative impact on a property’s value. Some of the key reasons for this include:
Structural damage risks caused by water leaking from pipes, creating damp and possibly subsidence (the sinking of the building), which can cause long-term damage.
Poor drainage can cause unpleasant odours and attract pests like rats or cockroaches, making the property less appealing to buyers. This is also linked to the spread of disease.
If drainage issues are left unresolved, they may require costly repairs, such as pipe replacement, excavation, or extensive maintenance, which you could be billed for.
Some mortgage lenders and insurers may be reluctant to approve applications on properties with known drainage faults as well. If you don’t identify and address drainage issues before selling, you can be sure the person buying your property will, and you will have to sell for less to compensate.
Benefits of a Pre-Purchase Survey
Commercial drain surveys aren’t just useful for buyers - they can be an essential tool for sellers as well. By conducting a survey, you can identify and fix problems before listing (such as blockages, leaks, root intrusion, or collapsed pipes); protect your property’s value so you’re able to sell at the full market value without unexpected reductions; demonstrate transparency to buyers and build trust to make the sale process smoother; and avoid negotiating on price, getting ahead before buyers conduct their own surveys and start demanding a lower rate.
How We Can Help
At Grey-Water Drainage Solutions, we provide surveys to identify any underlying drainage problems before you put your property on the market. We use high-resolution cameras to assess the full drainage system. We also provide comprehensive reports with our findings, along with evidence of any issues and recommendations for repairs; and professional advice to help sellers understand the best course of action to maximise their property’s value.
Don’t Let Drainage Problems Cost You Thousands!
If you’re planning on selling, don’t wait for a buyer to uncover drainage issues – take control with a pre-purchase survey. This will help you avoid unwanted surprises and protect your property’s value to secure you the best possible outcome.
