Do You Need An Asbestos Survey When Purchasing A Flat In Sussex?

Welcome to Affordable Asbestos Removal Sussex. We are a trusted asbestos survey and removal company serving Sussex and the surrounding areas. In this guide, we will be answering the question of whether you need an asbestos survey when purchasing a flat in Sussex. Asbestos is a common material found in many homes and properties across the UK, and it is important to know whether any asbestos is present in a property before buying or selling it.

Asbestos Survey: A Legal Requirement

The UK government has deemed it a legal requirement to carry out an asbestos survey before any demolition or major refurbishments of a property. Asbestos surveys are also necessary when buying or selling a property, as it helps you understand what actions you need to take regarding asbestos present in the building before the final sale.

What is Asbestos?

Asbestos is a naturally occurring fibrous mineral that was widely used in construction and other industries until legislation banned its use in 1999. Today, asbestos is responsible for around 5,000 deaths in the UK every year. This material was widely used due to its heat-resistant and soundproofing properties, and it can still be found in many older buildings constructed before the ban.

Carrying Out an Asbestos Survey

An asbestos survey is a detailed inspection of the property to identify any asbestos-containing materials (ACMs) present. An asbestos survey can be carried out in two ways: a condition survey and a refurbishment/demolition survey.

Condition Survey

A condition survey is a non-intrusive approach to inspecting a property. In this type of survey, the surveyor will visually inspect accessible areas of the property to spot any visible ACMs. This survey identifies the location of asbestos materials and assesses the condition of each asbestos-containing material.

Refurbishment/Demolition Survey

A refurbishment/demolition survey is a more intrusive approach than a condition survey. This type of survey will involve taking samples of materials that may contain asbestos from across the property. The samples will then be sent to a certified lab for analysis, and the results will be used to determine the presence, location, and condition of any asbestos-containing materials.

Why You Need An Asbestos Survey When Buying or Selling a Property

When it comes to buying or selling a property, you need to know whether asbestos is present in the building. An asbestos survey will identify the presence of asbestos in a property and provide a detailed report outlining the location, condition and risk assessment of the asbestos-containing material. This will help you understand the potential risk to health and safety and the need for any remedial actions before the sale.

Variables to Consider

Several variables may influence whether you require an asbestos survey before buying or selling a flat in Sussex:

Intrusive or Non-Intrusive Survey

In order to decide which type of survey is required, you will need to consider the level of access you have to the property. A non-intrusive survey may be suitable if the property is currently occupied and the seller is not willing to allow more intrusive activities. However, if the property is vacant or currently undergoing major refurbishments, you may need to carry out a more intrusive refurbishment/demolition survey.

Age of the Property

Asbestos was widely used in construction until 1999. If the building was constructed after the ban, the likelihood of asbestos-containing materials is lower. However, if the building was constructed before the ban, it is more likely that asbestos-containing materials are present.

Condition of the Property

The condition of a property is another factor that can influence the need for an asbestos survey. If the property is in a distressed and deteriorated state, there may be a potential for asbestos-containing materials being disturbed.

Asbestos Survey: When Buying or Selling a Flat

Buying or selling a property is a complex process that usually involves multiple parties, including buyers, sellers, estate agents, and solicitors. When it comes to the presence of asbestos in a property, all parties have an obligation to consider the health and safety of the occupants.

Lenders

Lenders may require an asbestos survey before approving a mortgage. This is because it will assure them that the value of the property is accurate and that they are not lending money against a property that poses a health and safety risk to the borrower.

Estate Agents

Estate agents play a crucial role in the buying and selling process. They are responsible for marketing the property and connecting buyers with sellers. Estate agents should make potential buyers aware of any asbestos-containing materials found in the property before viewing.

Insurance Companies

Like lenders, insurance companies have an interest in the health and safety of a property. They may refuse to cover a property that is known to contain asbestos-containing materials without proof of adequate remediation.

Carried While Selling

It is the responsibility of the property owner to provide a report of any asbestos-containing materials identified and recommended actions when selling. Carrying an asbestos survey can help initiate the process of making the buyer aware of potential health hazards present in the building.

Illegal to Sell Without Asbestos Survey

It is illegal to sell a property without an asbestos survey. This is why it is essential to engage the services of a trusted asbestos survey and removal company like Affordable Asbestos Removal Sussex.

Should You Have an Asbestos Survey When Buying or Selling a Flat in Sussex?

In conclusion, an asbestos survey is necessary when buying or selling a flat in Sussex. It is a legal requirement, and failure to secure one can lead to legal and financial consequences. An asbestos survey will provide valuable information on the presence, location, and condition of asbestos-containing materials, enabling you to make informed decisions about the health and safety of the occupants of the property. Contact Affordable Asbestos Removal Sussex today to book a survey or for more information on our range of services. Call us on 01273 978238 or email us at [email protected]. You can also visit our website at affordable-asbestos-removal-sussex.co.uk.