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Research reveals how poor property maintenance can impact buyer offers

Four out of five homebuyers would consider reducing an offer if they found maintenance issues when viewing a property. 

The insurer’s poll found that poor maintenance could knock 14% off a house price, the equivalent of more than £40,000, based on current UK house prices.

Loose roof tiles, blocked drains, cracks in walls and unserviced boilers were among common concerns from would-be buyers.

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However, three in five residents admitted delay dealing with minor maintenance issues in their own homes.

m a survey of 2,000 UK adults conducted by insurer Aviva. 

It reveals more than half of viewers (54%) would “definitely” reduce an offer, while a third (32%) would possibly do the same. 

A further 7% simply wouldn’t make an offer at all, if they discovered problems while viewing.

The insurer’s poll found that poor maintenance could knock 14% off a house price, the equivalent of more than £40,000, based on current UK house prices.

Loose roof tiles, blocked drains, cracks in walls and unserviced boilers were among common concerns from would-be buyers.

However, three in five residents admitted delay dealing with minor maintenance issues in their own homes.

Commenting on the research, Joanne Richards, senior area director for Connells, said: “During 2022 across the Midlands, demand and house prices have remained high, with properties so far this year achieving 101% of the asking price. 

“However, breaking that down we do see that properties that have been maintained to a high standard, both internally and externally, genuinely tend to achieve the best results with offers being generated at asking price or higher.

“Those that have not been maintained to a high standard are the ones that potential purchasers will try to negotiate on price, either at the point of offer or during the transaction, particularly after a survey. Offers will and can be reduced to reflect works required.”

Home maintenance issue

Percentage of home-viewers who would find this off-putting

Signs of damp or dry / wet rot

65%

Cracks in the walls / ceilings

59%

Loose or missing slates / roof tiles

46%

Blocked drains

44%

Draughty or unsecure windows / doors

43%

Unserviced / out-of-date boiler

41%

Loose / overflowing guttering

35%

Dripping taps or showers / leaky toilets

29%

Uninsulated loft / roof-space

29%

Wobbly / worn / crumbling paths, paving or steps

28%

Poorly painted or maintained windows / doors

26%

Damaged seals or tiles around baths / showers

25%

Overgrown trees / garden

24%

Broken garage door

23%

Wobbly / damaged fences or gates

19%

Unswept chimneys

14%

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