Key Takeaways: Buying a house in winter helps reveal damp issues early. While damp can nearly always be treated, it’s important to understand the scale, cost, and impact before committing to the purchase.
- Winter exposes hidden damp problems that may be less visible in summer.
- A damp property can still be a sound investment if identified and costed before purchase.
- Professional damp surveys provide accurate assessments and cost estimates for repairs.
- Living with damp during winter can be uncomfortable but is manageable with good ventilation and heating.
- Treatment is possible in winter — and contractors are often more available.
Buying a house in winter is often a great idea, because it means that any issues with damp are going to be more obvious from the start. You’re therefore much less likely to purchase a home with a concealed damp problem that you have to deal with further down the line.
However, you need to think carefully before taking on a home with a damp problem. While damp problems can nearly always be addressed in some way, the fix might not be immediate. So, you need to think about if this is something that you can live with during the winter months.
In this guide, we’re exploring all of the factors you should consider before buying a home with damp in the winter.
| Topic | Key Point |
|---|---|
| Buying in Winter | Cold weather highlights damp problems that may be hidden during summer months. |
| Investment Value | A property with damp can still be a good buy if the issue is identified and priced into negotiations. |
| Risks of Living with Damp | Expect a drying-out period and possible discomfort while repairs are completed. |
| Treatment Feasibility | Damp can be treated in winter; contractors are often more available, and the issue is easier to spot. |
| Preventive Steps | Good ventilation, heating, and dehumidifiers reduce humidity and help walls dry faster. |
Is a damp home a bad investment?
A damp home is only a bad investment if you aren’t aware of the problem during the purchase process. Knowing that there is work to be done will reduce the value of the home, so you should be able to negotiate a better price to account for the remedial work. You might also delay the purchase and request that the current owner addresses the damp problem.
As long as you go into the negotiating process knowing what you are up against, you should still be able to get a great price for the property. This is why it’s helpful to request a full home damp survey prior to purchase, as it will help to uncover any issues that the homeowner might not be aware of.
As part of your home survey, make sure you ask for a quote so you understand exactly how much it’s going to cost to put things right.
What are the risks with buying a damp home in winter?
The main risk to consider is that you might have to live with the issue for a while. Even if there is a simple fix for your damp issue and you can prevent further water ingress, your home will still need time to dry out. This could mean living with damp and uncomfortable conditions until the weather gets milder.
You won’t be able to decorate until the damp problem is under control. You might even find that some rooms are not usable. If you can live with these issues until the damp problem is under control, then you shouldn’t have any issues buying a damp home in winter. However, if you would be unable to live with these conditions, it would be better to keep looking.
Winter Reveals the Truth
Buying in winter makes damp more visible, giving you a clearer idea of what you’re dealing with before you commit to a purchase.
Preparation Pays Off
Arrange a professional damp survey before buying. Knowing the cause, cost and treatment options gives you confidence to make the right decision.
Can damp issues be treated in winter?
Yes, damp problems can be addressed in winter, and it’s often a better time to start this treatment. The issues will be at their worst during the cold winter months, so the full extent of the issue will be much more visible.
Damp proofing contractors also have much better availability during the winter months, as many people wait for spring to start this treatment. As the weather starts to get milder, this will help with ventilating your home and drying out the walls. By summer, you’ll be ready to decorate your home.
Living with a damp home in winter
If you decide to go ahead with the purchase and then get started with the remedial work, there will still be a period where you are living with damp conditions. There are steps you can take to make this more comfortable.
– Make sure you ventilate your home well and keep windows open in the morning to allow fresh air into your home.
– Use exhaust fans in the bathroom and kitchen to avoid adding more moisture into the home.
– Heat your home evenly to avoid cold spots which will attract more moisture.
– Avoid placing large items of furniture directly against walls until your damp problem is under control. This will help to improve ventilation and avoid mould build up.
– Don’t try decorating your home until you have confirmation that the water ingress issue is under control. You’ll also want to wait until the walls have had a chance to dry out.
– Use dehumidifier units around your property to manually extract moisture from the air and drive down humidity levels.
Highlights
- Winter reveals hidden damp issues
- Damp doesn’t always mean a bad investment
- Professional surveys identify severity and cost
- Treating damp in winter can be effective
- Ventilation, heating, and dehumidifiers help
- Don’t redecorate until the walls are fully dry
FAQs