Call me back, please

Insider Secret: Sell a Home with Radon Gas

Property Saviour » Problematic Properties » Insider Secret: Sell a Home with Radon Gas

Selling a house is one of life’s most stressful experiences, and when realise that you have radon gas, it is likely to test your resilience. 

You bought your home several years ago, have raised a family and lived without any issues.  You have just sold your house; a mortgage surveyor has been around, and they have identified a high presence of radon gas.  You have never heard of radon gas prior to this, so where does that leave you?

In this guide, we will cover what radon gas is, why it is considered dangerous, solutions to reduce radon gas levels and selling the property ‘as it is’ to a genuine cash buyer if you need to sell now.

Buyers want properties as their forever homes without having to shell out for unexpected repairs.

We all know the importance of creating a clean environment as potential buyers view kitchens, bathrooms, and bedrooms.  However, other factors, such as the presence of radon gas, can put off many buyers.

Table of Contents

What is radon gas?

Radon is a colourless, odourless radioactive gas that occurs naturally in the ground. It can seep into buildings through cracks in foundations and accumulate to potentially harmful levels. The UK Health Security Agency has identified areas with higher radon levels, known as radon affected areas. 

You can check radon levels in your area, and if you are concerned, have a radon test.

Why is radon gas dangerous?

Radon gas contains tiny radioactive particles which cause damage to our lung tissues.  Long-term exposure to radon gas can cause lung cancer. 

The risk is higher for smokers and ex-smokers.  A higher level of radon exposure increases this risk.

Testing for Radon

If you’re planning to sell your home, it’s wise to conduct a radon test. This involves placing detectors in your property for about three months to measure radon levels. The UK action level for radon is 200 Becquerels per cubic metre (Bq/m³). If your home exceeds this level, you may need to consider remediation.

Remediation Options

Should your property have high radon levels, there are several ways to reduce them:

  1. Radon sump: A small hole beneath the property connected to an exhaust pipe and fan.
  2. Positive pressure ventilation: A fan system that increases indoor air pressure.
  3. Improved ventilation: Enhancing natural or mechanical under-floor ventilation.

 

The cost of remediation can vary depending on the property and the chosen method. It’s best to consult with a radon specialist for an accurate estimate.

How long does radon remediation take?

The process of installing a radon reduction system typically takes one to three days.

Can I sell my house if it has high radon levels?

Yes, you can sell a house with high radon levels. However, you must disclose this information to potential buyers.

When selling a property in a radon affected area, you must disclose this information to potential buyers. Here are some tips for a smooth sale:

  1. Be upfront about radon levels and any remediation work done.
  2. Provide recent radon test results to interested buyers.
  3. Consider offering a radon bond, where a sum is set aside to cover potential remediation costs.
  4. Work with estate agents who understand radon issues and can effectively market your property.

 

If you’re concerned about the impact of radon on your sale, remember that Property Saviour can help. We buy homes in any condition, including those with radon issues. Get in touch today for a no-obligation cash offer.

Rising levels of radon gas
Exposure to radon gas can cause lung tissue damage resulting in lung cancer.

But what if you want to sell now?

Depending on the severity of the radon gas level, several solutions are available, including:

  • Radon sump or positive ventilation;
  • Natural under-floor ventilation;
  • Mechanical under-floor ventilation.

 

Costs can vary depending on how much building work is required. For example, it may not be simply a case of lifting up floorboards as you may have laminate flooring and consequently, any remedial works could result in replacing them. 

Equally, access to the loft and under-floor areas can be challenging, especially as you install any mechanical under-floor ventilation.

Radon gas rises from the floor, and therefore, you will need a specialist contractor to install air-ducting from the ground into the walls and out of the chimney or loft.  There may be an additional need to install breathable ducting within your loft to allow plenty of ventilation to expel the radon gas.

It would be misleading to quote a cost without seeing the extent of building work required.  It is not always a case of lifting up floorboards, assuming there is no basement, as you may have a laminate floor that can get damaged and need replacing. 

Installation of mechanical under-floor ventilation can be challenging depending on the easy accessibility of the area.

Will radon affect my house sale?

While radon can be a concern for some buyers, many are willing to purchase homes with radon issues if they’re addressed properly.

It is your responsibility to declare if your property is in a radon area, as failure to declare could result in you being sued by your buyer.  If you are a landlord, you have a legal responsibility to provide a safe property to your tenants.

It is likely that a bank will refuse to lend against a property with radon gas exposure.  Your buyer’s solicitor may ask for the last 3 months’ radon test results; if you do not have them, you’ll have to instruct them.  This is not an ideal situation, and you could lose your buyer. 

Your buyer or their lender could insist on the retention of funds – meaning that you will not receive the full sum; instead, they will keep the money for repairs.

How often should I test for radon?

The UK Radon Association recommends testing every 5-10 years, or after significant changes to the building.

If you’re planning to sell your home, it’s wise to conduct a radon test. This involves placing detectors in your property for about three months to measure radon levels. The UK action level for radon is 200 Becquerels per cubic metre (Bq/m³). If your home exceeds this level, you may need to consider remediation.

Remember, if you’re looking to sell a house with radon gas quickly and without hassle, Property Saviour is here to help. We buy properties in any condition, offering a fast and straightforward sale process. Get in touch with us today to discuss your options and receive a no-obligation cash offer.

Radon in Rental Properties

Landlords have a responsibility to ensure their properties are safe for tenants. This includes addressing any radon issues. If you’re selling a rental property, be prepared to provide information about radon testing and remediation to potential buyers.

But what if you want to sell now?

This is where Property Saviour can help. We will buy your home as it is.  Making you a fair cash offer and completing the sale at a timeframe that suits you. 

We aim to complete it in 2-3 weeks or quicker if that’s what you need.  We will pay £1,500 towards your legal fees. 

There are no delays.  No estate agents are involved, and because we do not need bank funding, we will buy any property fast.

Sell with certainty & speed

Selling Quickly with Radon Issues

If you need to sell your home quickly and don’t want to deal with radon remediation, Property Saviour can help.

We buy properties in any condition, including those with radon issues. We offer a fair cash price and can complete the sale in as little as 10 days. Contact us today to learn more about how we can help you sell your home

Sell with certainty & speed

auction hammer

Property Saviour Price Promise

  • The price we’ll offer is the price that you will receive with no hidden deductions.
  • Be careful with ‘cash buyers’ who require a valuation needed for a mortgage or bridging loan.
  • These valuations or surveys result in delays and price reductions later on.
  • We are cash buyers.  There are no surveys.
  • We always provide proof of funds with every formal offer issued.
calculator

We'll Pay £1,500 Towards Your Legal Fees

  • No long exclusivity agreement to sign because we are the buyers.
  • You are welcome to use your own solicitor. 
  • If you don’t have one, we can ask our solicitors for recommendations.
  • We share our solicitor’s details and issue a Memorandum of Sale. 
Sell

Sell With Certainty & Speed

  • Our approach is transparent and ethical, which is why sellers trust us.
  • 100% Discretion guaranteed. 
  • If you have another buyer, you can put us in a contracts race to see who completes first.
  • Complete in 10 days or at a timescale that works for you.  You are in control.
Share This Article:

Related Articles

Skip to content