Disclosure of building issue
Discussion
I’m considering selling my freehold detached bungalow next year. I had always believed my home had been extended by a previous owner, but the local authority says this is not the case. I can therefore inform potential buyers that the house enjoys Protected Developments Rights. I had an architect draw up some very basic designs which I would like to give the agent to pass on to viewers. I have been told that although an extension of 4 meters x the width of the house is allowed (subject to design approval) the mains sewer which serves my property and one neighbours home would have to be moved back by 4 meters. This is a water authority requirement. My question is, do I have to point out to potential buyers the sewer issue, or is this a case of buyer beware.
SantaBarbara said:
Don't even make a suggestion that an extension would be a good idea
This. I wouldn't think 'oh great, I can extend', I would think 'oh, the current owner thinks it's really cramped'. If they're interested in an extension then let them make the decision and do the legwork.deckster said:
This. I wouldn't think 'oh great, I can extend', I would think 'oh, the current owner thinks it's really cramped'. If they're interested in an extension then let them make the decision and do the legwork.
The house is around 1250sq ft and is the only house in the immediate area that hasn't been extended. I live here on my own and find the existing size bigger than my needs. Permitted development would allow for approx. 28sq meters of additional space - my architect thought build cost would be £1500 - 2000 per sq meter and Zoopla estimates £4736 per sq meter additional value. I don't want the hassle of building works, but a potential buyer might fancy a punt. A ball park figure to move the sewer £10k - so a reasonable profit could be made.SantaBarbara said:
Don't even make a suggestion that an extension would be a good idea
This. There's no need to be talking about possible extensions - any buyer can consider that kind of thing for themselves. Save yourself the worry about saying the wrong thing. If you bring the potential for an extension up and make it part of the sales pitch then you're likely to get questions about it and will end up needing to disclose the sewer aspect. If you stay quiet about all of it, it'll probably stay a matter for them to investigate after the transaction.
It depends on the size of sewer and current condition also if there are junctions or connections under the proposed extension or if a manhole would end up inside or under the floor.
You would have to enter into a building over agreement under the relevant water act.
Personally as there are proposed plans I would not even mention it.
You would have to enter into a building over agreement under the relevant water act.
Personally as there are proposed plans I would not even mention it.
No need to mention it to them unless they specifically as you about it.
The location of the drain,pipe,sewer is likely to be shown up on a Water & Drainage search which a buyer would have carried out through solicitors. The solicitor would then advise the buyer about what a future extension could entail but it probably won't put off most buyers and it's not a major headache to deal with.
The location of the drain,pipe,sewer is likely to be shown up on a Water & Drainage search which a buyer would have carried out through solicitors. The solicitor would then advise the buyer about what a future extension could entail but it probably won't put off most buyers and it's not a major headache to deal with.
You can discuss with potential purchasers about the opportunity to extend in a similar fashion to the surrounding properties, but I wouldn't go to the time and expense of preparing and showing them plans.
Let them dream of potential profits without taking any risk of misrepresentation.
Let them dream of potential profits without taking any risk of misrepresentation.
Forums | Speed, Plod & the Law | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff