Since the early 20th century, hundreds of thousands of people in the UK have died from asbestos exposure.
And today, 5,000 people a year still die from it.
In the article below, we have explained whether you need to disclose asbestos when selling a house.
We’ve also explained how this might affect your property’s value.
Keep reading to find out the answers you need.
What is asbestos?
Asbestos is a naturally occurring mineral used for various purposes worldwide in different societies for thousands of years.
It is renowned for its fire resistant properties. This meant it was – and in many parts of the world still is – used for building materials.
In the UK, it was used in asphalt floors and tiles and even added to the textured coatings on walls and ceilings. It was particularly popular between the 1950s and 1980s.
In 1999, asbestos was banned. So, it is unlikely for it to be in a new build property.
Spotting asbestos
Asbestos has a distinctive pattern. It comes in six different forms and most have a swirl pattern, or one that has dimples on it.
However, you should hire a professional to identify whether your property has asbestos present formally.
How common is asbestos?
The HSE estimates that between 210,000 and 400,000 buildings in the UK contain asbestos.
Properties still have it are most likely built in the second half of the 21st century.
Do you have to declare asbestos when selling a house?
Yes, asbestos is one of the main issues you must declare when selling a house.
If you hide this detail from a buyer, then you will likely face legal action in the future.
Why is asbestos a bad thing?
Asbestos can get trapped in your lungs and remain there for a long time. This caused asbestos to be banned in 1999.
Almost everyone will experience asbestos at some point in their lives. A lot of buildings still have it across the UK.
But small and infrequent doses will not be harmful. This is why most people go their entire lives without noticing it.
Health problems can emerge for someone living in an asbestos-filled building for years. This includes:
- Mesothelioma
- Asbestosis
- Lung cancer.
What is an asbestos survey?
An asbestos survey is when a licensed professional inspects asbestos in the building.
An asbestos survey is needed if you use, buy, or sell a commercial property.
If you have tenants living inside the building, then you will need to pay for an asbestos survey.
An asbestos survey is not a legal rule for buying a residential house. But there are plenty of reasons why it makes sense to get a survey done to check for asbestos.
Not only does it give you peace of mind, but it can help you get on with building works that its presence would otherwise slow down.
Many buyers will not buy a property with a history of asbestos, unless a professional completes a survey.
This report enables them to make an informed decision on whether any real dangers are posed. It helps them to calculate how much their offer will reduce.
The survey will usually identify what steps can limit or remove asbestos.
How to get rid of asbestos
You can hire a licensed asbestos abatement professional who will come to your house and remove asbestos for you. The severity of the asbestos will impact how much thid task will cost.
Asbestos is a ‘hazardous waste’. This means that if you remove it from your property, you must dispose of it correctly.
Contact your local councils if you have any questions. Or a professional can dispose it for you as part of their service.
Can I get rid of asbestos by myself?
You should hire a licensed professional to get rid of asbestos in your house.
While it is possible to remove asbestos by yourself, it isn’t easy. You may leave some behind that you are unaware of – or cause further damage to the property or your and your family’s health.
If you dispose of asbestos incorrectly, you could be fined. If you incorrectly tell a potential buyer that asbestos is removed, you could be sued.
Untrained removal efforts can have health consequences. These often do not manifest themselves until 15 or more years later – but they are still very real.
Will asbestos reduce the value of my house?
Yes, the presence of asbestos will reduce the value of your property.
Many buyers will not even consider purchasing a house with asbestos in it. Especially if they still have family members.
Show a clear report and preventative plan for removing asbestos. This may somewhat limit the damage to its value.
You should remove asbestos from your house before trying to sell it on the open market.
If you want to sell your property with asbestos still in it, you should contact a cash buying company. They will complete the transaction at a reduced price.
