Common problems home sellers try to hide

If the seller fails to disclose some details by mistake, the buyer can negotiate the ask price.

Whether purchasing a new house or selling one, the process involves several stages, and it may take several months to finalise a property deal successfully. Most home sellers have started adopting digital modes to advertise their property on real estate portals to find reliable buyers. For a buyer, proper due diligence is crucial. This involves conducting market research and property inspections, verifying the property ownership documents, ensuring compliance with building regulations, etc. This helps eliminate potential problems with the property, preventing legal complications or financial issues later. With the intention of selling their home faster, some sellers try to hide problems with their property. While a buyer has the right to take legal action against the seller in such cases, avoiding such situations from the start is better. In this guide, we share some common problems that home sellers try to avoid when selling their property.

 

Problems property sellers hide from buyers

#1. Structural issues

Some common structural issues that home sellers try to conceal or avoid sharing with buyers include cracking walls, sagging roofs or a faulty foundation. Such issues, if ignored, can become severe and lead to serious risks to the property and safety of the occupants. It may not be quick or inexpensive to rectify these problems, which is why sellers usually try to conceal them.

Tips for buyers:

Before finalising a property, buyers should inspect the property. They can go for professional inspection services or approach a structural engineer to identify such structural issues. A buyer can negotiate the sale price for the cost of repairs to be undertaken. However, when it comes to ensuring safety, it is advisable to look for other property options.

 

#2. Leakage issues

The seepage of water from roofs, walls, floors, basement or attic, pipes or other fixtures could seriously threaten the property’s structural integrity. Water leakage could occur due to an ageing structure, extreme weather conditions, poor construction, inadequate waterproofing, etc. The build-up of mould and mildew from water leakages causes significant damage and also poses health risks. Water intrusions are often concealed with wallpapers, huge wall artwork or adding a fresh coat of paint. However, this is only a temporary solution as the defects will be visible if the wallpaper or paint wears off and it will also involve frequent renovation, leading to expenses.

Tips for buyers:

During house inspection, buyers should check for plumbing leaks and water damage. It is better to involve plumbing experts who can help identify the root cause of such issues as faulty old pipes or lack of adequate drainage and suggest suitable solutions. In some cases, the leakage issues and dampness could be seasonal, which is comparatively less problematic.

 

#3. Illegal construction or renovation

Many property owners violate the building laws and construction regulations and go for illegal constructions or renovations. It is a common issue seen in many cities, including top cities like Delhi and Bangalore, where property owners go for balcony extensions, construction of an additional floor or garage conversion. Typically, sellers go for such modifications to increase the property’s value. However, going for such modifications with required approval or permits from the relevant authority can lead to legal issues that the buyer may have to deal with in future.

Tips for buyers:

Typically, homeowners must comply with the rules and regulations imposed by the housing societies or in the case of builder floors. Such issues are mostly seen in standalone buildings. Potential buyers should look for any unusual addition or constructions when visiting a property. They can also ask for documents such as an approved layout map and proof of permit from the owner. It is better to hire professional inspection services. They can also opt for title insurance, which provides cover against unpermitted renovations on the premises.

 

#4. Electrical and plumbing problems

Electrical and plumbing issues, if ignored, could lead to costly repairs. Electrical problems include non-functional outlets, faulty wiring, increasing the risk of electrical shocks or fire, etc. Plumbing issues are mostly caused from clogged drains in kitchens or bathrooms, leaking pipes, etc.

Tips for buyers:

Buyers should closely inspect the property’s electrical systems and plumbing elements during site visits and inspections. Checking the water pressure helps identify potential issues, and a lower water pressure indicates that the property may have a water leakage issue. Dampness in the bathroom or kitchen area are other common signs. Buyers can ask the seller to rectify such issues before closing the deal.

 

#5. Pest infestations

Infestations by pests, especially termites, are a key concern for many homeowners. Thus, potential buyers should ensure to check such problems when choosing a property. Termite infestation can damage the property. Typically, pests tend to hide in areas such as attics, basements, crawlspaces, etc. Openings or gaps in the structure could be the perfect hiding spot for cockroaches, lizards, ants, silverfish, moths, etc. Sellers may easily hide such defects. Other pests that could be a nuisance to the property owner include rats, especially if it is a ground-floor property.

Tips for buyers:

Buyers must spend sufficient time looking for such potential issues by checking every nook and corner of the property. Wooden furniture, doors and windows should be inspected carefully to rule out any termite infestation. Buyers can also hire pest control services before moving into the property.

 

#6. Issues with neighbourhood

Property sellers may not disclose common problems in the neighbourhood, such as issues with stray animals, lack of certain amenities like parking space, noisy or disruptive neighbours, etc. These issues could be major inconveniences for a homeowner. Sometimes, having non-cooperative neighbours may lead to possible conflicts with them or with the society. Sellers avoid sharing such information as it could discourage potential buyers planning to purchase the property.

Tips for buyers:

When meeting the owner during a property visit, potential buyers must ask specific questions related to the neighbourhood and its safety. On their part, buyers should research the neighbourhood and inspect it by physically visiting the area once or twice in a day. They can also speak to people in the neighbourhood or the security guard to know about any problems the seller might not have shared with them. Typically, the Apartment Owners Association (AOA) and Residents Welfare Association (RWA) are formed to impose various rules and regulations to protect the interests of the residents. So, a buyer can also check with the AOA or RWA member regarding noise policy, pet policy, guest visit, parking rights, etc. Buyers should also stay updated about any upcoming infrastructure development like metro or flyover construction that could lead to traffic congestion. This will help them make an informed decision.

 

Housing.com News Viewpoint

Many first-time homebuyers make the mistake of assessing a property based on its exterior appearance or fancy offers. Property selection involves considering several factors like amenities, location, and connectivity and identifying potential problems. Property purchase decisions involve thorough due diligence, which is why it is better to get the help of professional inspection service providers for the property inspection and a legal professional to conduct the legal due diligence.

 

FAQs

Can a homebuyer take legal action if the property seller is hiding something?

A homebuyer can usually take legal action if there is a breach of contract or violation of local laws. One should consult a legal professional for guidance.

What should a buyer do if the seller did not disclose any information by mistake?

If the seller fails to disclose some details by mistake, the buyer can negotiate the ask price.

Got any questions or point of view on our article? We would love to hear from you. Write to our Editor-in-Chief Jhumur Ghosh at jhumur.ghosh1@housing.com

 

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