The Home Buyer’s Guide to Asbestos: What to Check Before You Move In
Buying a property is one of the biggest investments you’ll ever make—but if that dream home was built before the year 2000, there’s something vital you need to consider: asbestos.
While often overlooked in the excitement of buying, failing to check for asbestos can lead to unexpected costs, renovation delays, and even health risks. This blog is a practical guide for home buyers (and their surveyors or solicitors) on how to approach asbestos surveys and ensure the property is safe before contracts are exchanged or trades arrive.
Why You Need to Think About Asbestos
Asbestos was commonly used in UK construction until its ban in 1999. It’s often found in:
Ceiling textures (like Artex)
Floor tiles and adhesives
Garage roofs and outbuildings
Pipe insulation and boiler areas
Soffits and rainwater goods
Left undisturbed, asbestos can remain in place without issue. But during renovations or accidental damage, dangerous fibres can be released, posing serious health risks such as mesothelioma and lung disease.
What Home Buyers Should Do
Look at the Construction Date | If the home was built or refurbished before 2000, assume asbestos might be present.
Check the RICS or Homebuyer Report | Some surveyors will flag "possible asbestos-containing materials (ACMs)" but they don’t test or confirm. This often leads to last-minute panic or buyer hesitation.
Book a Professional Asbestos Survey
Safe Asbestos Removal offers buyer-friendly surveys that:
Sample and test suspicious materials
Provide a written report for legal and mortgage purposes
Give peace of mind before contracts are signed
You can use this report to:
Negotiate on price
Plan safe renovations
Avoid post-sale surprises
When to Arrange the Survey
Ideally, book your asbestos survey after your initial property survey, but before exchange. This way, there’s time to:
Clarify findings
Estimate potential removal costs
Make informed decisions
If you wait until builders or decorators are on site, you risk:
Delays to your project
Emergency removal costs
Unlawful disturbance of asbestos
Real-Life Example
A couple in Leeds bought a 1960s semi, intending to renovate. Builders uncovered floor tiles and loft insulation suspected of containing asbestos—but by then, trades were booked and kitchen units delivered. The resulting two-week delay and £1,800 removal bill could have been avoided with a pre-purchase asbestos survey.
Bonus Tip: Share the Report with Your Tradespeople
Even if asbestos isn’t removed right away, having a clear register and lab-tested report means your contractors can plan safe work—protecting their health and keeping your liability clear.
Why Use Safe Asbestos Removal?
We specialise in helping home buyers with fast, easy-to-understand surveys. Our reports are written in plain English and include photographic evidence, lab results, and actionable recommendations.
Buying an older home? Let us help you move forward with confidence. Book your asbestos survey today.