How Much Does Damp Devalue a House?

Firstly, you are not alone in wanting to sell a house with damp as according to the latest  English Housing Survey around 904,000 homes in England have had damp problems.

It is important to acknowledge and understand why damp can have a significant impact on the value of a property, and it's essential to be aware of the signs of damp and how to address the issue. In this article, we'll explore how much damp devalues a house, provide tips on how to spot and address damp issues and how to sell a house with damp.

What is damp?

Damp refers to the presence of unwanted moisture in a building, often caused by water seeping in through the roof, walls, or floor. It can lead to a variety of issues such as mould growth, musty odours, and damage to the structure of the property. Damp can also affect the health of those living in the property and should be addressed as soon as possible.

Spotting the signs of damp

There are several signs to look out for that could indicate the presence of damp in a property. These include damp or wet patches on walls or ceilings, musty odours, peeling or bubbling wallpaper, peeling paint, falling plaster, rotting skirting boards and floorboards, excessive condensation on windows and mould growth. It's also essential to check for any leaks in the roof or pipes and to ensure that the property has proper ventilation. If any of these signs are present, it's crucial to address the issue promptly to prevent further damage to the property and maintain its value.

What are the different types of damp?

There are several different types of damp that can be found in a house, and each one requires a different approach to fix it. Understanding the different types of damp and their causes can help homeowners identify and address the problem quickly.

1. Rising Damp: This type of damp is caused by water from the ground rising up through the walls and floors of a property. It often affects older buildings with inadequate damp-proof courses or those built on a site with a high water table. The signs of rising damp include damp or stained patches on walls, peeling wallpaper, flaky or bubbling plaster, rotting skirting boards and flooring and a musty odour. If rising damp
2. Penetrating Damp: This type of damp is caused by water seeping through the walls, roof, or windows of a property. It can be caused by leaks in the roof, damaged gutters, or faulty pointing on external walls. Penetrating damp often appears as damp patches on walls or ceilings, water stains, and peeling paint or wallpaper.
3. Condensation Damp: This type of damp is caused by excess moisture in the air, which condenses on cold surfaces, such as walls and windows. It often occurs in rooms with high levels of humidity, such as bathrooms and kitchens. The signs of condensation damp include black mould growth, water droplets on windows, and peeling wallpaper.
4. Lateral Damp: This type of damp is caused by water penetrating through the walls from the outside. It can occur when the ground level outside is higher than the damp-proof course or when the walls are in direct contact with the ground. The signs of lateral damp include damp patches on the lower parts of walls, peeling wallpaper, and a musty odour.

It's important to identify the type of damp affecting a property correctly to determine the best course of action.

HELP my house has damp what can I do?

First thing you don’t do is panic, what you should do is seek a professional assessment of the situation. Organise a professional damp survey from a reputable company so that you understand the full extent of the problem.  If you decide to take action before putting the property on the market you have a options.  If the house you are selling has rising damp it may require the installation of a damp-proof course.  If you are selling a house with penetrating damp you may be required to repair the roof and/or gutters. If its condensation damp that your house for sale has, this can often be resolved through improved ventilation or with the use of a dehumidifier.

What you need to recognise is that if damp is left untreated it can cause structural damage to a property and have a significant impact on its value. If you are going to address the damp do seek repair quotes from at least 3 companies as there can sometimes be more than one solution. The most expensive cure might not be the only option, or you may discover you are able to do something yourself that costs very little. Be aware that repairing a damp problem can be expensive and the costs can run into the thousands of pounds and be very disruptive, with the most extreme works significantly affecting the structure of your home.

How much does damp devalue a house?

There is no doubt that damp can significantly devalue the value of your property especially if it is not treated promptly. The extent of the devaluation will depend on the severity and duration of the damp problem, as well as the type of damp and the location of the property.

In general, untreated damp can reduce the value of a property by 5-10%, in some cases up to 20%, the more acute the problem the higher that percentage becomes; and the longer the damp problem persists the more damage it can cause, and the more costly it will be to repair. In severe cases, untreated damp can render a property uninhabitable, resulting in devaluations as high as 53% according to experts.

Please note your home insurance is unlikely to cover you for any damp damage repairs and damp proofing works that you may require to fix a damp problem prior to selling a house.

Can I sell my house with damp?

Selling a house with damp can be a significant obstacle to obtaining a quick fast house sale for numerous reasons.

1. The presence of damp can signal to potential buyers that the property has not been adequately maintained, leading to concerns about the overall condition of the property. As a result, buyers may be deterred from making an offer or may make significantly lower offers.
2. Additionally, dampness can lead to a longer time on the market, causing the property to lose value due to the extended period it stays unsold.
3. Mortgage lenders may be hesitant to provide loans for properties with damp, potentially requiring costly repairs to be completed before lending money.
4. The significant health risks associated with living in damp homes, worsening of asthma, respiratory infections, coughs, wheezing and shortness of breath will make the property unattractive to a lot of potential buyers.

Note: You must be totally transparent about a damp problem as it is an offence to conceal or provide false information about a property's condition.

Can Gaffsy help me to sell my house with damp quickly?

The simple answer is YES! Here’s why …

1. Gaffsy as a cash buyer has the funds readily available to complete the purchase of a house with damp without the need for mortgage approval or lengthy paperwork and can do so within a matter of days or weeks to suit you.
2. Gaffsy will purchase your property in its current condition there is no requirement to carry out repairs or renovations. This can be a significant advantage if you do not have the time, money, or resources to carry out repairs or renovations before putting the property on the market.
3. Gaffsy offers fair and transparent pricing, based on the current condition and market value of the property. This can be reassuring if you are concerned about undervaluation or unscrupulous buyers taking advantage of the situation.
4. Gaffsy has the funds available to complete the purchase, which means there is a reduced risk of the sale falling through due to issues with financing or delays in the mortgage approval process.
5. Gaffsy does not charge estate agent fees which can save you thousands of pounds.

Overall, selling to a cash buyer like Gaffsy can be a good solution for those looking to sell a house with damp, providing a quick, hassle-free, and fair sale with minimal risk of delays or complications. If you would like to secure a fast house sale and receive a cash offer contact the team today