Advice on damp wall please.

[The Jogger]

We were in Spain last week looking for a house and found one in a really nice area fifteen mins inland, it's ten years old built on the side of a hill/cliff like they do. It has a ground floor at street level (obviously), stairs up to a roof terrace and it also goes down two floors to the bed and bathrooms. On the first flight of stairs down, below street level and on street side, there is a damp patch about one meter in diameter. Is this a major problem do you think and could it be remedied. It is damp to touch but not soaking by any means. Advice would be much appreciated, it is a bank repossession so there isn't enough time to have it surveyed.

 

[Beebo]

What is on the other side of the wall?

 

[The Jogger]

What is on the other side of the wall?

Well, it just seems to be the footpath and below it, maybe a drain but not sure.

 

[twentysix by twentyfive]

Pics?

 

[Grant Fondo]

Likely a leak if localised, possible cracked drain? Sounds like foundations could be stepped so trickier to waterproof? Had it rained prior to viewing?

 

[The Jogger]

Pics?

No, it was a last viewing just before the airport, so rushed.

 

[The Jogger]

Likely a leak if localised, possible cracked drain? Sounds like foundations could be stepped so trickier to waterproof? Had it rained prior to viewing?

Yes, the worst they had, had for thirty years.

 

[twentysix by twentyfive]

No, it was a last viewing just before the airport, so rushed.

Hmmmmph. Unless you are dead keen and want to really pursue for multiple reasons I'd give it a miss

 

[srw]

it is a bank repossession so there isn't enough time to have it surveyed.

Did the agent also say that there is a queue of buyers as long as his arm, but because he likes you (arm round the shoulders) he'll let you have it for a special price if you sign up today?

 

[Trembler49]

The Spanish have a more relaxed attitude to damp because it is hot for the most part of the year. Building regs are very different and occasional damp is not treated as a serious issue. What is in the outside wall?

 

[Grant Fondo]

Yes, the worst they had, had for thirty years.

Thats more optimistic as water table may have temporarily raised with persistent rain...or cavity has not drained quickly next to wall of house...i would personally give it a punt if the price is right....did you see any cracking anywhere?

 

[Vapin' Joe]

Buying a house in Spain that you don't have time to get surveyed? That's asking for a lot of potential trouble.

 

[Dayvo]

Buying a house in Spain that you don't have time to get surveyed? That's asking for a lot of potential trouble.

Indeed. Buy in haste, repent at leisure.

Plenty more 'ruins' or restorable fincas to find.

 

[The Jogger]

Did the agent also say that there is a queue of buyers as long as his arm, but because he likes you (arm round the shoulders) he'll let you have it for a special price if you sign up today?

An offer was on the table with the bank but was below asking price. We have until tomorrow to decide to offer asking if we are in with a chance.

 

[The Jogger]

Thats more optimistic as water table may have temporarily raised with persistent rain...or cavity has not drained quickly next to wall of house...i would personally give it a punt if the price is right....did you see any cracking anywhere?

No cracking anywhere.