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.
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What is radon gas?
Radon is a radioactive gas that you can’t see or smell. It comes from uranium within rocks and soils found everywhere in the UK. Radon levels outside are very low but can be much higher inside buildings.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to get rid of radon?
It can take up to three days to get rid of radon from your home, and then it will need to be tested again.
Does opening windows help remove radon?
As a temporary solution, you can open windows to reduce radon levels. Opening of windows improves circulation. Check if you can safely open any windows in the basement without it becoming a security risks for thieves.
Is it OK to live in a house with radon?
It is not safe to live in a house with radon gas because it can cause lung cancer.
Should I be worried about radon gas?
Radon gas produces tiny radioactive particles that damage your lung tissue resulting in lung cancer.
Is radon a problem in the UK?
Radon gas can be found anywhere in the UK. According to UK Health Security Agency, it is mostly found in South West and Wales.
Sell with certainty & speed
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.
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 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.
