If you plan to sell a flat, you might have heard about asbestos surveys.
But what exactly is asbestos? And when are asbestos reports needed for flats?
In this blog, we’ll answer these questions and more.
What is asbestos?
Asbestos is a naturally occurring mineral widely used in building materials between the 1950s and the 1990s. It is durable and heat-resistant and was used in various construction projects, including:
- Roofing
- Flooring
- Insulation.
The dangers of asbestos
Today, its widely known that asbestos can lead to serious health problems and even death.
This is because when they are disturbed, asbestos containing materials can release small, sharp fibres that are easily inhaled.
The long-term effects of exposure to asbestos include mesothelioma, lung cancer, asbestosis, and other respiratory conditions.
Types of asbestos
There are six types of asbestos.
These are classified into two groups:
Serpentine asbestos
Chrysotile (or white asbestos) is the only serpentine type and is the most used in the UK.
Amphibole asbestos
There are five amphibole types of asbestos, which are:
- Amosite (brown asbestos)
- Crocidolite (blue asbestos)
- Anthophyllite
- Tremolite
- Actinolite
While amphibole asbestos is less commonly used in the UK, it is more hazardous. They have been linked to an increased risk of mesothelioma.
When was asbestos banned in the UK?
In 1999, the UK banned the use of asbestos for this reason, and it has been illegal to use in new construction projects ever since.
However, it is estimated that up to 90% of properties built before the ban still contain asbestos in some form.
This means that if you own an older property, there’s a high chance it could contain asbestos.
Finding asbestos isn’t straightforward
Asbestos is not always easy to identify if you are not a trained professional since it may have been mixed with other materials, disguising it as a harmless substance.
It may also be present in unlikely places, such as paint, textured coatings, and even tiles.
This is why getting a professional asbestos survey is so important.
What is an asbestos survey?
An asbestos survey involves a detailed inspection of a property to determine whether it is present and, if so, what type it is and where it is located. There are two main types of asbestos surveys:
Management surveys
This type of survey is designed to locate the presence and extent of any asbestos-containing materials within a building, assess their condition and risk and provide recommendations for managing or removing them.
Refurbishment/demolition survey
This type of survey is required before any refurbishment or demolition work is done on the building.
It is more intrusive than a management survey. It involves sampling and analysing suspected asbestos-containing materials to identify if it is present, where it is located, and to what extent.
Do I need an asbestos survey to sell my flat?
You are not required to have an asbestos survey carried out before selling your flat. Similarly, you can sell a house with asbestos, too.
However, it can be helpful to have one if you plan to sell a property built before 1999.
As a responsible seller, you must disclose any known issues or defects with the property to potential buyers, including asbestos. (It might add some time to how long it takes to sell your flat, but not much.)
Additionally, since asbestos is a valid concern with older properties, a survey document that proves asbestos is not present at your property can encourage buyers to make an offer.
Even if you are unsure whether asbestos is present in your property, erring on the side of caution and conducting a survey is always the wise option.
If asbestos is discovered during the survey, you can then take steps to ensure that it is managed or removed before putting your property on the market.
This will ultimately make your property more attractive to prospective buyers and allow you to command a higher asking price compared to a property with asbestos issues that will be left for the buyer to address.
So, when do I need an asbestos survey to sell my flat?
In theory, you ultimately only need an asbestos survey to sell your flat when the buyer or lender requires it.
However, in a more general way, you will likely need one whenever you sell your flat. This is simply because not having one will reduce your chances of a successful sale.
Why an asbestos survey is important
Asbestos surveys are essential to identify the presence of asbestos in properties and assess its risk.
This information is vital for the health and safety of anybody who lives or works in the flat, along with anybody conducting refurbishment or demolition work.
The good news is that asbestos in your property does not always mean there is a danger to your health. Whether or not there is a risk will depend:
- The type of asbestos
- The condition that the asbestos is in
- Whether the asbestos is likely to be disturbed.
Having an asbestos survey carried out allows you to identify the presence of this substance in your property and take steps to manage or safely remove it if needed.
This protects the health and safety of anybody residing in the property and gives potential buyers more peace of mind when you put the property on the market.
