Property problems should find house hunters potentially costing new owners up to £40,000.

While house hunters keep their personal preferences at the forefront of their minds, there are some essentials that might be overlooked while browsing their dream homes. Simple oversights could cost tens of thousands in the long run, often for problems that many don’t even know how to detect in the first place.

While the more obvious problems, like mold, are known for their potentially extreme repair costs, some problems could incite even more expense, such as affecting potential buyers’ ability to secure a mortgage or even affecting their premium. of insurance.

To help house hunters avoid the costly dilemmas of not having one, Saga property expert Anna Thunstrom has highlighted seven major problems that could cost would-be homeowners up to £40,000.

Shut up

A more technical issue that many first-time buyers won’t know about is subsidence, when the ground beneath a building begins to sink and pulls the home’s foundation. The warning signs of subsidence are cracks, especially around doors, windows or other weak points in a building’s structure.

Anna pointed out that minor cracks under 0.5 millimeters are normal, but house hunters can test for subsidence by “opening and closing interior doors to check for sticking or any gaps in the frames” or by placing round objects on the floor to see if they roll in one place. specific direction.

In addition, a surveyor can indicate whether a property’s subsidence is a problem and advise how much it would cost to repair, which usually ranges from £6,000 to £14,000.

Invasive plants

While luxurious and exotic gardens may be an attraction for some, it’s worth checking around a property’s garden for any invasive species such as Japanese knotweed, bamboo or ivy that can damage the property, affect its value and influence lenders .

Anna advised that sellers are “required to disclose” the presence of Japanese knotweed due to its reputation for property damage and rapid summer growth. It also costs a staggering £1,000 to £12,000 to remove.

Roof tile

A more difficult thing to notice while viewing a property is the lack of roof tiles, but this is an essential element that house hunters should not miss. Not only does it cost between £5,000 and £8,000 to repair and replace a roof, it’s also a good indicator of the physical condition of the property beneath any shiny interiors.

Insulation

Checking temperature changes in each room can be a good indicator of a property’s overall level of insulation, with Anna noting that “poorly fitted windows” are becoming a more common problem in newly built homes. She also advised house hunters to ask about the type of glass in the windows and the insulation used in the walls and roof.

Poor insulation can cause your energy bills to keep your property heated up to £340 a year, while repairing insulation can cost around £1,275 for a typical room, double-glazed windows can cost up to £1,200 of pounds sterling.

Mold and water damage

Probably one of the biggest concerns for house hunters is mold or damp issues, which can not only be expensive to fix, but also harmful to the health of those in the home. Mold removal alone can cost up to £1,200 for the whole house.

The expert urged house hunters to take the time to properly inspect walls and ceilings, using tactile checks for damp spots and keeping their noses keen for any musty smells. Sellers are also required by law to disclose damp or mold problems, and Anna encouraged checking with the landlord or agent if there is a fresh coat of paint over the property, as this can sometimes mask the signs.

Clogged gutters

Blocked gutters can lead to interior leaks, loose or cracked walls, and foundation erosion, which can cause a myriad of other problems. Anna also pointed out that not all home insurance policies cover damage caused by poor maintenance such as blocked gutters and they can cost around £45 per meter to replace.

She advised: “Watch out for sagging gutters which are caused by debris and water making them difficult. If it’s raining, look for water running down the side of the house, indicating possible blockages.”

Flowing faucets

Anna urged house hunters to check every tap in the bathroom and kitchen, as faulty taps and leaking pipes can cost up to £400 for a plumber to fix. She advised readers that a lingering flow could indicate a hard water or limescale build-up that could eventually block the water flow, while inconsistent water pressure could be due to, or even cause, a leak itself. which would require more plumbing work.