How to sell a house with damp

Selling a house is no easy feat, and with damp, it can be even more challenging. Discovering you have damp in your home is an unpleasant surprise, especially when you're looking to sell.

However, keep hope! You can still have a very successful sale even with the damp.

What is damp?

Damp is the presence of moisture in the walls, floors and ceilings of your home and is common throughout homes in the UK. It can cause damage to the property as well as health problems for its occupants.

According to the Environmental Protection Agency, 21% of asthma cases are attributed to issues caused by mould and dampness in buildings.

What causes damp?

A variety of factors can cause damp, the most common are:

• Poor ventilation.
• Roof leaks.
• Rising damp (from the ground).
• Condensation
• The failure of a working damp proof course.

How to identify damp in your home

As inconvenient as it might seem, try not to fret! You may become overwhelmed when bombarded with mould and damp problems in your home. However, many solutions exist to get rid of mould and damp.

There are three types of damp that are usually easy to spot!

1. Rising damp

This occurs when moisture from the ground rises through the walls of a building.

2. Penetrating damp

This occurs when water penetrates the walls and roof of a building due to defects, such as a leaky roof, damaged brickwork and cracks in the external render.

3. Condensation damp

This happens when moist air comes into contact with a cold surface, such as a window or a wall.

Many signs indicate the presence of damp in a home!

Here's what to look out for:

1. Water stains and peeling paint: This is often a sign of visible moisture or water damage.

2. Musty odour: This is a standard indicator of the presence of mould and damp.

3. Warped or buckled walls, floors and ceilings: This is often an indicator of damp causing structural damage.

4. Black or green patches on walls or ceilings: This can signify mould growth, often caused by dampness.

5. Condensation on windows: This is a sign of excess moisture in the air, usually due to extra humidity.

6. Damp or mouldy wallpaper: Damp can cause wallpaper to become discoloured, peel or develop mould growth.

If you suspect damp in your home, it's essential to consult with a professional to prevent further damage and health problems. A building surveyor or a damp specialist should be able to assess and tackle the issue.

What are the common symptoms of damp?

Unfortunately, common symptoms of damp include peeling wallpaper, musty odours, and mould growth. These symptoms can often make it difficult for people to sell their homes, especially with the added health effects caused by having damp.

However, these symptoms can go away if treated. Before you think about selling your property, it's essential to consult with a real estate agent who has sold properties similar to yours. This will ensure that they can handle a property with dampness and be aware of how to market it.

Can you sell a property with damp?

Yes! You can sell your property even with damp issues. First and foremost, disclosing damp and mould problems with potential buyers is crucial. It's not a problem you can hide or paint over, so you must be transparent with anyone interested in your property.

Failing to disclose such information can lead to legal action!

How much does damp devalue your property?

How much damp devalues your property depends on the severity of it as well as the location. Generally speaking, the presence of damp can significantly reduce the value of your home.

If the damp is widespread and has caused structural damage, it can substantially reduce house value. On the other hand, if the damp is minor and can be easily fixed, it may only slightly impact the overall property value.

Here are a few factors that could potentially devalue your property:

1. The type of damp

2. The difficulty in fixing it

4. The amount of damage it has caused

5. The cost of repairing the damage

It's generally estimated that a property with a significant damp issue can devalue by 10-15%.To determine the exact impact of damp on your property's value, consult a professional.

If you're worried about damp devaluing your home, check out our free Online Valuation tool to find out the value of you property!

How to prevent condensation in your home

Can I prevent damp from forming?

Yes, you can stop damp from forming. There are several methods for preventing damp and condensation; rest assured, these steps go a long way.

1. Ventilation: Improve airflow in your property to reduce its humidity levels. This can be done by installing vents and extractor fans.
2. Resealing windows and doors: Ensure any gaps or cracks in the property's envelope are adequately sealed to prevent moisture from entering.
3. Fixing leaks: Repair any leaks in the roof, walls, or plumbing to prevent water from entering the property.
4. Using a dehumidifier: This can help reduce the humidity levels in your home and prevent damp from forming.
5. Removing mould: If mould has already formed, it should be swiftly removed to avoid further damage and health risks.
6. Damp proofing: Damp proofing can be installed in walls to prevent moisture from rising and causing damp. This waterproof barrier is installed at the base of walls above ground level.

How to treat damp and mould

There are many ways to treat damp and mould; some are more time-consuming than others. It may seem scary at first, but you can treat the damp in your home.

Keep in mind to always identify the source and address it; this will help prevent any future damp and mould problems. When treating damp and mould in your home, it's advisable to seek help from a specialist. This will ensure a safe and preventative approach, decreasing the likelihood of damp developing in the future.

Here are some of the ways you can treat damp and mould problems:

1. Identify the source of moisture: Mould growth is caused by excess moisture, so it's essential to identify and address the source, for example, leaks or condensation. This will help prevent mould from returning.
2. Ventilation: Improving the ventilation in the affected area can help prevent moisture and reduce mould growth.
3. Cleaning up the mould: It's advisable to hire a professional to clean up the mould. However, if you can’t, you can clean the mould with household bleach or a commercial mould cleaner. For your safety, it's necessary to wear a mask to protect yourself from inhaling mould spores.
4. Dry the area: Dry the affected area before starting any essential repairs or redecorations.
5. Anti-mould paint: This prevents mould growth with its fungicide properties, creating an environment where mould can't grow.
6. Repair and redecorate: Damage caused by the mould should be repaired and replaced. For example, wallpaper or plaster damaged from the mould should be immediately removed or replaced to prevent mould from regenerating.

Is anti-mould paint a long-term solution?

Unfortunately, it's not. The anti-mould paint will lose potency over time if the underlying mould has yet to be addressed - making it less effective. Therefore, finding the root cause of your mould problem is crucial before covering it with paint.

All in all, it's best to regularly reapply the anti-mould paint to ensure that the mould won't regenerate. It's in your best interest as well as any future buyers, that the mould problem is resolved.

Should you treat damp before selling a home?

Yes! Treating the damp before you list your property is advisable. Damp can cause significant damage to a home and reduce its overall value.

If you have yet to treat the damp before you sell your home, buyers will be responsible for treating it. This may hinder the sale and decrease the amount they offer when they factor in the cost of restoring the property.

By addressing the issue before selling, you can ensure the property is in the best possible condition. Potential buyers will therefore be more likely to make an offer.

It's essential that you properly diagnose the cause of the damp, as there are several potential causes. Even if you don't end up treating it before selling, you can pass this information on to any potential buyers.

Can you sell a home with untreated damp?

Yes, you can sell a home with untreated damp, but it may be more challenging. A property with a damp problem is typically considered less desirable for buyers and may be valued lower.

If you're planning to sell a home with untreated damp, it's vital to be transparent and provide buyers with as much information as possible. This way, buyers can make an informed and impartial decision about the property.

Failure to disclose such information could lead to legal claims and disputes made against you after the sale.

Selling tips for selling a home with damp

If you're selling a home, there are several things you can do to make it more appealing to potential buyers to help overcome the negative effects of the damp.

1. Clean and disinfect: Clean the affected areas and ensure no unpleasant or musty odours are in the house.
2. Improve ventilation: Open windows and doors or use fans and dehumidifiers to maintain airflow.
3. Repair and maintenance: Make sure to fix any visible repairs, such as leaks, holes, damaged wallpaper, and missing roof tiles.
4. Paint and decorate: If damp has caused visible damage to the walls or ceilings, consider repainting or redecorating the affected areas. You want the property to look as appealing as possible!
5. Remove all clutter and personal items: You want the buyer to envision themselves living in the space.
6. Price the property appropriately: Be realistic about the property's value and consider the damp. A lower asking price may increase your chances of a successful sale.
7. Highlight other selling points: To help overcome any negative perceptions of your property, highlight other selling points, such as an extension, patio, fireplace, and a modern kitchen and bathrooms.
8. Consider offering incentives: Consider offering additional incentives to help buyers feel at ease, for example, a home warranty, a credit towards repairs or a reduced closing cost.

Summary: Treating damp will help your house sale!

Selling a home with damp isn't impossible, but it can be taxing. It would be in your and the buyer's best interest to resolve damp problems before listing the home. Of course, not all damp problems are simple to rectify.

However, treating them will decrease the chances of your house value being reduced. It will ease the mind of buyers and allow them to feel comfortable moving into such a home.

Lastly, to ensure a smooth selling process, hiring an experienced, impartial and knowledgeable estate agent is essential. An estate agent will market your home accordingly and present it in the best possible light.

Have a look at our free GetAgent Online Comparison tool to find the best agents to sell your home!