This damp checklist london homes buyers can use covers the signs to look for before you buy, and comes from IQSURV, a RICS regulated firm.
Using a damp checklist london homes buyers can rely on
Damp has several possible causes, including leaks, condensation and defects in gutters or ventilation. A surveyor can comment on what is visible and suggest further investigation where needed.
Damp is one of the most common concerns for people buying a home in London, and it can be one of the most costly to put right. Many London homes are older, and the mix of Victorian terraces, inter-war houses and converted flats means damp can show up in different ways. This checklist explains what to look for on a viewing and why a professional survey is worth considering.
Know the main types of damp
Damp usually falls into three broad groups. Rising damp comes up from the ground through walls and tends to leave a tide mark low down. Penetrating damp comes in from outside, for example through a faulty roof covering, gutters, walls or window surrounds. Condensation forms when moist air meets cold surfaces and is often seen in poorly ventilated rooms. These can look similar, so the cause is not always obvious to the untrained eye.
What to check inside the property
Look for staining on ceilings and walls, peeling paint or wallpaper, and bubbling plaster. Check the corners of rooms, around windows and behind furniture where possible. Notice any musty smell, which can point to hidden moisture. Look at skirting boards for signs of swelling or decay, and check cupboards and under sinks. Be wary of fresh paint on only one wall or patch, as it can sometimes cover an earlier problem.
What to check outside
Walk around the outside of the property. Look at the roof for missing or slipped tiles, check that gutters and downpipes are intact and not overflowing, and look at the brickwork and pointing for deterioration. Pay attention to the height of the ground against the walls and to any vegetation growing close to the building. Poor drainage around the house can contribute to moisture getting into the structure.
Flats and period homes
In flats, damp can come from neighbouring properties, shared roofs or communal pipework, so questions about the building as a whole matter. In period homes, original materials were often designed to let walls breathe. Modern, non-breathable treatments applied without advice can sometimes trap moisture, so it is worth asking what work has been done and by whom.
Why a survey helps
A visual check can raise questions, but a surveyor can place damp in context. In a RICS Level 2 Home Survey, the surveyor reports on visible signs and uses condition ratings to flag concerns. A Level 3 Building Survey goes into more depth and is often chosen for older or altered properties. Surveyors will usually recommend further investigation by a specialist where the cause is unclear.
Questions to ask the seller
Ask whether there has been any history of damp, leaks or condensation, what repairs were carried out and when, and whether any guarantees or paperwork exist. Ask who completed the work. Your solicitor can help you request and review the relevant documents.
Get in touch with IQSURV
IQSURV is a RICS regulated firm serving London, offering Level 2 Home Surveys, Level 3 Building Surveys and RICS valuations. If you are buying a home and are concerned about damp, get in touch to discuss which survey may suit you, or request a quote.
Next steps after reading about damp checklist london homes
If this guide on damp checklist london homes raises questions about your own property, you may find our guides on Level 2 or Level 3 survey guide and what a Level 2 report includes useful. The Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors sets professional standards for the industry, and you can read more on the RICS website. To discuss your situation, get in touch or request a quote through our home page, or call 020 3780 5386.