Pre survey triage: Fixes that most cut renegotiation risk

In any house purchase, a little wiggle room on price is usually expected as buyers seek to maximise what they can get for their money. Agents will also often persuade buyers to pitch their pricing below the asking price since negotiation is an accepted part of the house-buying process. However, implementing pre-survey triage: fixes that most cut renegotiation risk can be vital.

What isn’t so acceptable is when renegotiation is required because something unexpected has emerged in the survey after a sale price was already agreed upon. This can threaten to derail a sale and makes pre-survey triage as important a part of the selling process as the initial staging and marketing. Pre-survey triage fixes that most cut renegotiation risk are crucial in managing this process. 

Any known risks should already have been declared, especially following the changes to the provision of material information – defined as any detail of a house purchase that could influence a buyers’ decision – earlier this year. However, a survey can bring up other issues you may not have realised were a problem, especially if your buyer has opted for a Level 3 survey - the most detailed assessment of your property there can be. A well-executed pre-survey triage can help nip these issues in the bud.

In the government’s new Home Buying and Selling Reform consultation announced in October, it is proposed that search and survey information should be provided by sellers before a property listing is even published. This upfront information would include a range of details, including survey-related information such as building safety data and property condition assessments related to the property’s age and type.

This will mean issues that normally spark a price renegotiation are evident from the start. Until then sellers should identify and rectify any major issues that could be highlighted in a survey to reduce their risk. Addressing pre-survey triage: fixes that most cut renegotiation risk ensures smoother transactions.

Addressing damp and mould

Among the most common reasons for a potential buyer to come back and renegotiate on price is if damp has been discovered. There are usually obvious signs, such as visible patches, peeling wallpaper or a musty smell. However, it could also be developing unnoticed. Furniture might be hiding such visible markers and may even be the cause of the problem if it is blocking air vents or obstructing air circulation near walls.

Ensuring adequate ventilation and following good practice in your property will help prevent damp caused by condensation. Meanwhile, checking and fixing leaking pipes and guttering can help rectify penetrating damp caused by water leaks. Any instances of mould will need to be cleaned and treated.

Checking the roof for damage

Another expensive mistake could be not checking the condition of your roof. Even a quick glance up could help you spot loose or dislodged tiles which could cause a leak. The condition of your chimney and facias, as well as the state of any loft insulation, may also be highlighted in a survey.

Assessing structural issues

Cracks in walls or subsidence of your property are warning signs that structural issues are in play. These should be assessed by a qualified structural engineer to verify the seriousness of the problem. They may just be settlement cracks, in which case they can be easily fixed, but if more extensive underpinning is required then your buyer will definitely be pushing for a price reduction.

Update your electrical systems

Electrical systems will also be high on a surveyor’s checklist with non-compliant installations or the need for rewiring common bargaining tools in renegotiations. Ensuring your electrical systems are safe and compliant with all current regulations will put buyers’ minds at rest. If you have visible signs of problems, such as scorch marks around sockets or flickering lights, this is even more important. By addressing such issues, pre-survey triage: fixes that most cut renegotiation risk remain a priority.

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