The Wharf: Home Front – May 31, 2007

Q. I am buying a period property and have just had my Survey report back. Unfortunately, there appears to be a number of problems including a problem with rising damp and woodworm, and it appears it may also need a new roof. I really love the property but am right at the top of my budget with no extra funds to accommodate costly repairs; do you think I could ask the vendors to reduce the price of the house to allow for the repairs?

A. This a common problem particularly when dealing with period property. Speak to your agent with regards to the report, the surveyor will usually have recommended having professional reports carried out by specialists to access the extent of the problem and also provide you with estimated costs.

The agent will usually need a copy of the survey report to show to their client the vendor to discuss the way forward. On most occasions, in my experience, the vendor once he has seen a copy of the survey and received the specialist reports and estimates he will be prepared to reduce the price of the property to accommodate the repairs rather than lose a perfectly good buyer and start the whole selling process again.

“I have known Dawn in a professional capacity for a very long time, as we used to work together for a number of years. She has a comprehensive knowledge of the Docklands real estate market, but this is not her strongest point. What makes Dawn stand out as an agent is the effort she puts into every deal, the relationships she builds with everyone and the passion she has for what she does. Dawn and Gabriella have been managing my investment property for more than 3 years. I now live overseas and I feel so comfortable knowing they are really looking after my interest, whilst at the same time always being fair and transparent with the tenants. Nothing is big enough job for those ladies and everytime I say ‘thank you – I am so grateful for what you do’, the reply is ‘It’s my job’. I really cannot recommend this wonderful team enough!”

Daniela WeatherillOverseas Landlord

“We are incredibly happy with the service that Dawn Sandoval Residential provide. They offer a personal but very professional service, and we feel secure and confident with their management which is key when letting out a property.”

Amy Facey

“Dawn Sandoval Residential and associates have managed several transactions on our behalf, and each time they have gone above and beyond our expectations. We trust the team highly, and I honestly couldn’t recommend them enough.”

Neil Chinniah

“The Dawn Sandoval Residential team took the time to properly understand what I was looking for. At every stage of the process, I knew they were doing their best for me and valued me as a customer. I have no hesitation in recommending their services in the highest possible terms.”

Andrew Simmonds – Management Consultant

“Dawn Sandoval Residential offer a real personal service. Their response rates are excellent, and we have a sense that they care about our tenants and properties. We cannot recommend them highly enough.”

Cathy & Paul Betts

“Dawn Sandoval Residential have great insights into the property market in London and especially around Canary Wharf. They work very hard to understand their clients’ requirements, and we would highly recommend them.”

David & Ginette Marks