Do I Need an Asbestos Survey Before I Sell My House?
Selling a home can be stressful enough without any surprises along the way. But if your property was built before 2000, one issue that can crop up unexpectedly is asbestos. Many buyers—and increasingly mortgage lenders—are asking for asbestos surveys before completing property purchases. So, do you need one to sell your house? Let’s explore.
What is an Asbestos Survey?
An asbestos survey is a detailed inspection carried out by trained professionals to determine whether asbestos-containing materials (ACMs) are present in a property. There are two main types:
Management Survey: Identifies asbestos that could be disturbed during normal occupancy.
Refurbishment & Demolition Survey: Required before any major work, including knock-throughs or extensions.
If your home was built before 2000, an asbestos survey can help avoid delays, disputes, or legal headaches during a sale.
Is a Survey Legally Required to Sell a House?
In the UK, there’s no legal requirement to carry out an asbestos survey before selling a residential property. However, if you suspect there is asbestos—or have had work done involving asbestos—you may be asked to provide a survey or details of removal.
Buyers are becoming more cautious. A growing number of surveyors, solicitors, and lenders are flagging potential asbestos risks in valuation and homebuyer reports. If asbestos is suspected and not documented, it could result in:
Price renegotiations
Delays in completion
Failed mortgage applications
In 2023, a homeowner in Birmingham had their sale fall through after the buyer’s survey reported “potential ACMs in ceiling and floor tiles.” The buyer walked away. After a swift asbestos survey and £1,200 in removal works, the property sold—but it cost time, money, and a lot of stress.
The Benefits of Being Proactive
By conducting a survey before listing your property, you can:
Increase buyer confidence
Avoid surprises later in the process
Resolve any issues early
Ensure full legal disclosure
This is particularly important for:
Homes with Artex ceilings or old floor tiles
Houses with garage roofs made from cement sheets
Properties with outdated heating systems and pipe lagging
What Happens if Asbestos is Found?
If asbestos is present but in good condition, you may not need to remove it. In many cases, simply disclosing its presence is enough. However, if it's damaged or at risk of being disturbed, removal may be recommended.
At Safe Asbestos Removal, we provide:
Pre-sale asbestos surveys with detailed reports
Honest advice about whether removal is necessary
Safe, legal asbestos removal if required
Will This Affect My Property Value?
Not necessarily. Most buyers understand that asbestos is common in older homes. By providing a professional survey, you're showing transparency and responsibility—qualities buyers appreciate.
What will affect the value is hidden asbestos, undisclosed risks, or botched DIY removals that cause red flags during a buyer’s inspection.