Subject to Survey : House Buying

[Diver]

A good friend of mine died, aged 64 in 2002 of asbestos caused mesothalioma. After much legal battle, laws were introduced for statutory compensation for victims. A little later the government of the day amended those laws, so that if the victim had been exposed to absestos as a result of working for the government, then no compensation was due.

My friend received his exposure while working in the merchant navy. His widow got not a penny.

Any, asbestos itself isn't a problem - it's dust. I'd ask the vendors to put it right, or no deal - and be prepared to make a contribution to the cost...

Er!

The merchant navy is not public sector and merchant seamen do not work for the government?

I think the clue is in the word "Merchant"

[Moscow Mule]

Er!

The merchant navy is not public sector and merchant seamen do not work for the government?

I think the clue is in the word "Merchant"

He was probably in the RFA, which was paid for by the queen at that time.

[shaunbhoy]

He was probably in the RFA, which was paid for by the queen at that time.

Who in turn is paid for by US all of the time!!

[BlasterBates]

Agree with the above. Abestos means workers turning up fully clad in protective suits and breathing masks, and risk of death by a long painful lung disease.

Wouldn't worry about the leaky roof or a bit of wet rot.

[BrilloPad]

I've probably bought and sold more properties than most - and my golden rule was always to walk away if the vendors did not do everything to my satisfication.
The asbestos issue is potentially quite serious - and I would definitely haggle over the price. Get the best Asbestos specialist you can find to give you a quote to make the property completely safe and asbestos free and make sure the price is reduced by that amount - no compromise.
Your conveyancer should help with negotiation.

I have found a sensible sasguru post!

Do I win a prize?

[Diver]

I have found a sensible sasguru post!

Do I win a prize?

Yeh!

Commitment to a suitable mental health facility for reading all of his other posts

[BrilloPad]

Yeh!

Commitment to a suitable mental health facility for reading all of his other posts

I am already in one of those. Why else would I be reading cuk?

Cant wait until 11am when I can go home and take the kids for a walk at the local country park

[OwlHoot]

I thought the vendor had a duty to mention any asbestos in the property information pack.

If this wasn't mentioned, they may have been a bit naughty, which may give you some leverage in negotiating a price reduction.

[Diver]

I am already in one of those. Why else would I be reading cuk?

Cant wait until 11am when I can go home and take the kids for a walk at the local country park

Whether they want to go or not

[Board Game Geek]

I thought the vendor had a duty to mention any asbestos in the property information pack.

If this wasn't mentioned, they may have been a bit naughty, which may give you some leverage in negotiating a price reduction.

Well, if they were supposed to, they didn't.

When the Estate Agent informed them, they said they were unaware.

I assume then that when you have a HIPS done, the person doing it doesn't clamber around the loft, and even if they did, isn't trained enough to spot asbestos ?