Almost two in five homeowners reveals they regret their buying decision, as experts share how to spot hidden property defects.
Up to nine in 10 (99%) of new-build buyers report at least one defect issue after moving in, according to the Home Builders Federation, with an average of 130 found per new-build home.
The latest Housing Ombudsman data found that condensation, damp and mould accounted for over a third (34%) of repair complaints, while leaks accounted for 23%. More than three-quarters (75%) of complaints in both categories were upheld.
Speaking on the findings, Michael Davie, home improvement expert from PureBuilt, said: “These figures show why buyers should look beyond fresh paint and a tidy finish. Damp is often treated as a surface problem, but staining or mould can point to a leak, defective roof, damaged render or poor ventilation. If the source is not identified before purchase, what appears minor can become disruptive and expensive to correct.”
However, damp and mould are not the only common defects that are often overlooked. Issues involving loose or damaged roof tiles, water ingress, cracked render and poor insulation are issues Michael has seen homeowners discover once it’s too late.
He said: “Some defects are difficult to spot during a short viewing, particularly when they are concealed, inaccessible or only appear in wet or cold weather. Buyers should record anything unusual, question recent repairs or isolated redecoration, and ask an appropriately qualified surveyor to investigate concerns before they exchange contracts.”
Michael then went on to answer questions about five common defects buyers encounter after they make their purchase.
- Water Ingress
What might buyers notice? “Overflowing gutters, defective seals, staining beneath windows, bubbling paint or damp patches that repeatedly return.”
What could it indicate? “Blocked or damaged rainwater goods, failed sealant, defective pointing, roof faults or water penetrating the external envelope.”
Why might it be missed? “Evidence may disappear in dry weather or be concealed by recent decoration, and the point where water appears indoors may be some distance from where it enters.”
What should the buyer do next? “Have the entry point traced before redecorating or accepting a cosmetic repair, then obtain a quotation that addresses the underlying external defect.”
- Roof defects
What might buyers notice? “Slipped or missing tiles, damaged flashing, a sagging roofline, daylight in the loft or stains on upper-floor ceilings.”
What could it indicate? “Water ingress, failed roof coverings, damaged underlay or deterioration in the roof structure.”
Why might it be missed? “Roofs and loft spaces can be difficult to inspect safely, and leaks may only appear during prolonged or wind-driven rain.”
What should the buyer do next? “Request a suitable roof or building inspection and obtain repair quotations before exchange, particularly where access was limited during the main survey.”
- Insulation problems
What might buyers notice? “Cold rooms, draughts, uneven temperatures, unexpectedly high energy bills or visible gaps in loft insulation.”
What could it indicate? “Missing, compressed, uneven or poorly installed insulation, as well as gaps around openings that allow heat to escape.”
Why might it be missed? “Much of a home’s insulation is concealed in walls, roofs and floors, while a warm viewing day may hide uneven performance.”
What should the buyer do next? “Review the Energy Performance Certificate, ask what insulation has been installed and arrange further inspection if the visible condition or room temperatures raise concerns.”
- Cracked or failing render
What might buyers notice? “Cracks, bulging, staining, hollow-sounding patches or gaps around windows and doors.”
What could it indicate? “Failed or poorly bonded render, water getting behind the surface, weather damage or movement in the underlying wall.”
Why might it be missed? “Fine cracks can appear cosmetic, while recent painting or localised patch repairs may disguise wider deterioration.”
What should the buyer do next? “Ask a suitably qualified professional to assess the cause and extent of the failure and obtain repair estimates before purchase.”
- Damp and mould
What might buyers notice? “A musty smell, dark staining, peeling paint, mould around windows or unusually fresh decoration confined to one area.”
What could it indicate? “Condensation, a plumbing leak, damaged guttering, a roof defect or moisture penetrating through an external wall.”
Why might it be missed? “Furniture and fresh paint can conceal the signs, while some problems only become visible after prolonged rain or during colder weather.”
What should the buyer do next? “Ask whether the property has had previous damp or leak repairs and arrange an independent investigation to identify the moisture source before agreeing remedial work.”
Michael added: “Buyers should never feel pressured to overlook something they are unsure about. A defect does not necessarily mean walking away, but it should be properly investigated so you understand the likely repairs and costs before committing.
“Ask questions, choose the right level of survey and obtain specialist advice or quotations where necessary. Spending more time investigating a warning sign before exchange could prevent a much larger bill after moving in.”
