23 Apr QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS

 
Question:  When there is a dispute with a neighbour, should a Vendor advise the Buyers, or say nothing?
Answer: It is advisable to endeavour to resolve any neighbour disputes, whether it is in regard to the building of a brick boundary wall, fence repairs, or tree root problems, before the commencement of the marketing of your home.  The reason for this, is that the Purchaser’s Solicitor, at the Pre-Contract Enquiry stage, will specifically ask the question, if you have been in any disputes with your neighbour, if so, is it still ongoing?  The likelihood is that the Purchaser’s Solicitor, will not permit the sale to progress, until such time that the dispute is resolved, as he would not wish for the purchasers to inherit your current problem.
Question:  Next door’s friendly neighbour, positioned a gate in the garden, as the children regularly play together.  Will this be a problem when selling?
Answer:  Any unauthorised means of access, or gates between neighbours, not detailed in the Title Deeds Plan, will not be acceptable to the Purchaser’s Solicitor, when checking the Conveyance Plan.  It would be advantageous, to remove any gates and to have the garden enclosed, as detailed in the Conveyance Plan, before placing the property on the open market.  The same is also true, for unauthorised gates that lead to woods or park land, to the rear of your property.
Question:  Does a converted integral garage, to form a habitable room, increase the value of the house?
Answer:  A garage conversion, to Building Regulations standards and finishes, can cost around £10,000, if done properly.  However, whether it increases the value by as much is debatable and arguably,  unlikely.  Undoubtedly, it will make the house more saleable to a growing family, as it provides more family accommodation.  There are still buyers that would prefer a garage, for storage purposes, being a criteria on their wish list and would disregard viewing your home, with a garage conversion.
Question:  If you notice an unexplained crack in the lounge wall, should you be concerned?
Answer:  There are many reasons why a fresh crack has appeared, possibly due to the central heating room temperature variation, from summer to winter, or possibly, the worse fear, is the first sign of subsidence.  Inspect the external wall and if you notice a corresponding crack, more than 3 mm, then it is time to call in an expert, for an opinion.  Establishing whether or not there is a serious problem, can take time.  An RICS Chartered Surveyor, will be able to establish whether or not there is subsidence and what the likely cause is.  More importantly, the Chartered Surveyor will put forward a solution to remedy the problem and if it is necessary whether you need to inform your building insurers.