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Selling a property with Asbestos: Q & A.
Updated: Nov 4, 2022
Selling your property? How familiar are you with this once-common building material? Read on to find out how asbestos in the home can affect selling your property.
What is Asbestos?
Asbestos, contrary to popular belief, is a naturally occurring mineral and not a man-made substance. Asbestos is a catch-all term that encompasses six distinct fibrous minerals: chrysotile, amosite, crocidolite, anthophyllite, tremolite, and actinolite.
Why did builders frequently use asbestos?
Asbestos is an excellent construction material. Its fire resistance, durability, ability to absorb soundwaves, insulating properties, wide availability prior to the ban, and negligible cost made it a very attractive material for the construction industry.
An estimated 3,000+ products, including adhesives, cements, textiles, flooring, roofing felts, and insulation products, contain asbestos.
Which buildings may contain asbestos?
The property's age will provide an accurate indication of whether or not it contains asbestos. Because chrysotile asbestos was banned as a building material in 1999, and crocidolite and amosite asbestos were banned in 1985, properties built after the millennium should be asbestos-free.
There is a high likelihood that asbestos is present in properties built before 1999.
Can you sell a house with asbestos?
Yes, you can sell an asbestos-containing property, but you must first decide whether you are willing to spend money to remove the substance before trying to find a buyer, or if you would prefer to sell the home without remediation.
Where can you find asbestos in your property?
Fibro sheeting (flat and corrugated) in walls and ceilings are examples of bonded asbestos cement products that may have been used in your home if it was built between 1930 - 2000. Asbestos was also used in drainage and flue pipe systems, guttering and roofing.
Does asbestos have an impact on property value?
Reconstruction values are determined using information gathered from professionals who are aware that asbestos can reduce the value of a property. Before releasing funds, many lenders require an Asbestos Management Survey report the issue.
What is Asbestosis?
Asbestosis is caused by inhaling asbestos-containing air particles. The primary cause of asbestosis is the prolonged inhalation of asbestos fibres or dust. This causes the lungs and pleura to become thickened and scarred (very thin tissue, or membrane, that line your lungs).
What if I am unaware that asbestos is present, but an Asbestos survey indicates its presence?
If an asbestos inspection reveals that you were unaware of its presence, there are no consequences. There are no laws that require you to be aware of asbestos before selling a home.
Asbestos is frequently discovered by surveyors conducting inspections for buyers, and it can have a negative impact on the sale, so it's a good idea to conduct your own survey before going to market. This will ensure that you know precisely where you stand and prevent any unpleasant surprises in the future.
Who is accountable for asbestos inspections?
Asbestos management is typically the responsibility of the property owner; however, if you are a tenant, or managing agent, you should review your contract to determine whether you are responsible.
How long does an asbestos inspection last?
The interval between inspections will vary depending on the type of material, location, and condition, but it should be at least every six to twelve months. You must ensure that the risk-control measures outlined in your plan have been implemented and are functioning properly.
Is an asbestos survey required by a tenant?
Before signing a lease, an incoming tenant should inquire about the presence of asbestos. The landlord should provide an asbestos survey because it is their responsibility as the property owner to assess the risk of asbestos in the premises.
What Exactly Is An Asbestos Survey?
An asbestos survey is an assessment conducted within a property to detect asbestos-containing substances. An asbestos survey is necessary to determine what asbestos materials are present.
Asbestos is only dangerous when disturbed. However, it must be located first to avoid disturbing asbestos materials. Because they do not appear to be distinguishable from other building materials. And they are frequently concealed.
An asbestos survey will reveal:
The location of asbestos
The type of Asbestos
The condition of the building material used.
The amount of Asbestos present in the location
Whether or not additional action is required.
Asbestos Management Surveys in London - From just £220 +VAT.
If you're a landlord or homeowner looking to sell a property built before the year 2000, then it is recommended that you have an Asbestos survey undertaken before you sell it.
Metro-PAT 24/7 Limited provide Asbestos Surveys in London. You can either book online or for further information, call us on 0800 014 6728.