Can You Legally Sell a House with Damp?
Yes — in the UK, it is legal to sell a property that has damp. However, failing to disclose or deal with it properly can lead to buyer dropouts, price negotiations, or even legal action post-sale.
In London, where many homes suffer from damp due to age, poor ventilation, or outdated construction methods, this is a particularly common concern. Whether you’re selling a Victorian terrace in Hackney or a basement flat in Islington, how you manage damp can directly affect the success of your sale.
How Damp Affects Property Value and Buyer Confidence
Buyers today are more informed — and more cautious. If a surveyor spots signs of damp during the buying process (or worse, a lender does), this can trigger:
Downward renegotiation of the asking price
Requests for repair before contracts are exchanged
Mortgage delays or rejections
Withdrawal of offer entirely
Even minor damp — such as peeling paint or black mould in the corner of a bathroom — can raise alarm bells if not professionally assessed and explained.
In competitive London property markets, especially in areas like Camden or Clapham, buyers often walk away if they sense hidden problems.
Are You Legally Required to Disclose Damp?
Under UK property law, you are legally required to disclose known issues with your home — including damp. This usually happens via the TA6 Property Information Form, which asks direct questions about:
Damp, rot or infestation
Whether any damp treatment work has been carried out
Whether guarantees or warranties exist for the work
Falsely answering “no” — or hiding the issue — can lead to legal action by the buyer after completion, especially if damp leads to property damage or affects habitability.
Should You Fix the Damp Before Selling?
It depends. Here are your options:
1. Fix It Before Sale
Pros: Increases resale value, attracts more buyers, avoids price drops
Cons: Upfront cost, time delays
2. Disclose It with a Damp Survey
Pros: Shows transparency, builds trust, allows buyer to factor it in
Cons: May still lower offer, but less risk of surprises during buyer’s survey
3. Do Nothing (High Risk)
Pros: Zero cost now
Cons: Likely offer reductions later, potential legal exposure
In most cases, we recommend carrying out a professional damp survey and providing the report to potential buyers. This shows due diligence, makes you look proactive, and puts buyers at ease.
What Types of Damp Can Affect a Sale?
Rising Damp
Caused by moisture from the ground travelling up through the walls. Common in older London homes with failed or missing damp-proof courses. Looks like tide marks or peeling paint near skirting boards.
Penetrating Damp
Caused by water ingress from outside — usually through walls, roofs, or damaged gutters. Appears as patches or mould on walls or ceilings.
Condensation Damp
Caused by excess humidity and poor ventilation. Often seen in kitchens, bathrooms, and poorly insulated rooms.
Each type varies in severity and cost — and misidentifying it can cause problems during the buyer’s own survey.
How a Damp Survey Can Help You Sell with Confidence
A damp survey is your best tool when selling a house with damp. It provides:
A clear diagnosis of the damp type and extent
Photographic evidence of affected areas
A professional recommendation of treatment options (not just guesswork)
A report you can share with buyers, surveyors, or solicitors
We carry out expert damp surveys across London, with each survey taking approximately three hours to investigate, photograph, and write up. We charge for our surveys because of the time, accuracy, and value they provide — often revealing problems missed in even high-end HomeBuyers Reports.
Selling with Damp? Here’s What to Do Next
If you suspect damp in your property — or know it’s already there — don’t wait for a buyer’s survey to expose it.
Get ahead of the issue by booking a professional damp survey, addressing the cause, and sharing transparent documentation with potential buyers.
This small step could mean the difference between a smooth sale and a deal falling through.