Selling a house can be time-consuming and stressful at the best of times. Add in the pressure of selling your house with structural issues, and it can quickly become overwhelming. Especially when most buyers are looking for an easy sale and a house requiring little to no renovation. If you’re trying to sell your house with structural issues, then the key is to organise your priorities. Consider the problem and potential solutions. Then worry about your sale. In this article we discuss how to sell your house with structural problems.
What is a Structural Problem?
Structural problems are usually caused by poor building materials, design flaws or improper workmanship. And sometimes, structural problems are simply to do with the age of the property.
A structural issue can be big or small. To be termed a ‘problem’, it’s usually linked to a major concern such as subsidence or flooding.
If you haven’t already noticed them, most structural problems are picked up on by a surveyor. Unfortunately, often one problem can lead to another as the structural integrity of the building worsens.
Due to the nature of structural issues, they can make a property unsafe and even uninhabitable – not ideal when you’re trying to sell. So it’s important to catch structural issues as soon as possible.
The Different Types of Structural Problems
There are many types of structural problems that you or a surveyor may notice before you sell. Here are some of the most common:
- Subsidence may be the most frequently reported structural issue with properties for sale. Some are minor, such as settlement. But there are bigger problems such as heave or movement that can negatively affect buyer interest.
- Asbestos was commonly used as insulation in the 80s and has since been found to be highly toxic.
- Wall Tie Failure refers to the ties that hold external and internal walls together, forming cavity walls. These can bulge and fall apart and are considered a structural issue.
- Damp is considered one of the worst problems when trying to sell your house with structural issues, as it can be expensive to treat.
- Rot, both wet and dry, is a common problem caused by the aforementioned damp, which encourages the growth of fungus that spreads quickly throughout a property.
- Invasive Weeds, particularly Japanese Knotweed, can swiftly spread and grow to cause structural damage.
- Flat Roofs, when poorly constructed, can cause leaks and further structural damage.
Spotting Structural Problems
Many structural problems are common in older properties, and the sooner you spot them, the better. Dealing with them quickly is crucial to avoid one issue leading to another. You need to know the signs.
- Cracks in brickwork, stonework or plaster can be early indicators or subsidence or damp problems.
- Bulging or leaning walls can be a sign of a defect in the wall or a structural issue with the property’s foundations.
- Unpleasant smells might seem nothing to worry about, but can be a symptom of rot or damp. Or both.
- Uneven floors or springy floors can indicate issues with your floorboards or joists. It can also be a sign of dry or wet rot.
- A bowed roof can indicate that the roof timbers aren’t robust enough to support the weight of the roof tiles, and will appear to be moving outwards.
- Sticking windows and doors can indicate movement in the property, and point to subsidence problems.
Where to Sell Your House with a Structural Problems
Trying to sell your house with structural issues can add additional stress to any seller. Structural problems are likely to slow down the process, but the best way to proceed is to identify problems as soon as possible.
Once you understand the issue, you can request a quote for repairs before you move ahead with the sale process. Be truthful about work that’s being done. This way, property buyers are aware upfront of what they need to know before they commit.
Another option is to fix the structural problems yourself before putting the property up for sale. If you do, it’s vital you work with structural specialists who can provide a guarantee for the work, should the issue reoccur.
Cash Offer for Your Home
Fast buyers are also an option. Most fast buyers are cash buyers and will buy properties quickly and easily, no matter the structural issues. At Norwich Home Buyers, we can offer you a cash offer for your property. And can complete the sale within 30 days, no matter the condition of your home.
This is a good choice if you are needing to sell your house quickly and are unable to complete the works that are required.
To Conclude: How to Sell Your House with Structural Problems
When you’re trying to sell your house with structural issues, it can seem like an impossible task. Structural problems can be daunting and costly. They’re the last thing you want for a quick sale.
But there’s hope. Identifying structural issues and dealing with them in a timely manner can make a huge difference. Spotting the signs and being honest can shorten an otherwise drawn-out process.
And if you don’t have the time or funds to make repairs yourself, selling your home with Norwich Home Buyers is always an option. Feel free to contact us on 01603 851837 if you have any questions, queries or would like a cash offer for your home.