Whether a missing slate here or a water-stained ceiling there, roof problems can be a thorn in the side when trying to sell your home. But don’t let visions of scaffolding and extensive repair bills send you into a panic just yet. From being upfront with prospective buyers to exploring renovation-inclusive sales routes, we lay out the all-important considerations for offloading a property with roofing woes – without haemorrhaging profits or your sanity in the process.
When is a property considered to have a bad roof?
On the surface, it may seem obvious – missing tiles, visible holes, water stains spreading across ceilings. There are, however, varying degrees of roof defects that responsible sellers must be aware of.
Minor issues like a handful of cracked, dislodged or deteriorating roof tiles can often be reasonably repaired without costly full roof replacement. The same goes for isolated leaks caused by failed sealants or rusted flashing details.
More extensive problems start to arise when damage is widespread across large roof sections or issues have been allowed to fester over a long period causing rot.
Persistent leaks and rotted roofing materials allowing water infiltration can potentially compromise a home’s structural integrity over time if left unchecked.
The most severe cases will merit a complete roof overhaul in order to remedy the matter. Such cases include advanced structural deterioration caused by water that has entered the building over time causing rot or collapse of roof wooden roof structures.
While some relatively minor roof blemishes can be reasonably disclosed, any significant defects should be addressed head-on by certified professionals. Attempting to gloss over major roofing issues is a surefire way to derail a sale further down the line when inevitable surveyor reports bring them to light.
How much does a new roof cost?
If your current roofing situation appears to be beyond the scope of minor repairs, it’s important to factor in the potential costs of a full roof replacement before listing your property.
In the UK, the average price for a new roof on a typical three-bedroom house ranges from £5,500 to £12,000 when hiring professionals. Luxury roofing materials like natural slate can push those costs up towards the £20,000 mark.
The biggest variables impacting new roof pricing are the size and pitch of the roof, as well as the ease of access. Large, steeply-pitched roofs requiring more extensive scaffolding increase labour costs substantially. Roofs with complex designs incorporating valleys, skylights and other details also drive up fees.
Don’t forget to factor in additional expenses beyond just materials and labour. Scaffolding equipment rental alone can add £1,000 or more to the total bill. Any roofing repairs often necessitate coordinating with other tradespeople for interior ceiling and décor remediation as well. You might also need to have the attic reinsulated if the old insulation has become water damaged.
Investing in a new roof before selling can help prevent prices being heavily undercut by wary buyers concerned about imminent repair needs. But there’s no doubt that it is expensive, and in many cases, you might feel like it’s too much hassle to spend thousands fixing a roof before selling.
Why buyers might not want to purchase a home with a bad roof
When it comes to mastering the art of persuasion, sellers need to think like prospective buyers. And for most buyers, a property with roofing defects is tantamount to opening a can of worms.
Water entering a building from the top, has the potential to cause all manner of problems throughout the entire building.
Even relatively minor roof repairs represent an unwanted and potentially costly project new homeowners may not want to tackle immediately after moving. There are justifiable fears that initial patch-up quotes for roof repairs might not address the full extent of the water damage.
Where significant roofing problems are obvious, buyers will be wary of widespread structural risks, not just in the attic but on all floors, as water will follow gravity causing damage along the way. Over a prolonged time, critical water exposure can result in a need for widespread remedial work on:
- Stud and load bearing walls
- Plaster and plasterboard
- Floorboards
- Floor and ceiling joists
- Electrical wiring
- Wall and ceiling insulation
- Roof structure
Perhaps the biggest concern, however, is uncertainty around the true condition. If the surveyor reports flag roofing issues, buyers immediately assume the worst. Lenders may even decline mortgage approvals on homes requiring major upfront work – bringing sales to a grinding halt.
At the end of the day, prospective purchasers want reassurance their investment is protected. Roofing problems represent unpredictable liabilities that raise doubts, often scaring off buyers entirely unless the issues are comprehensively resolved upfront by the seller.
How can I sell a house with a bad roof?
Once you’ve acknowledged the obstacles a problematic roof can create, it’s time to explore your options for offloading the property.
The estate agent route
Going through a traditional real estate agent remains a narrow possibility for homes with roofing issues. Agents are experienced in marketing properties with appropriate disclosures and negotiations. However, you will likely face an extremely limited pool of interested buyers unless repairs are completed beforehand. Those open to inheriting roof work will expect significant price reductions to offset anticipated costs. The sale process could also be derailed by lenders declining mortgage approvals based on surveyor findings.
The auction option
Selling at auction can provide a quick exit strategy, but typically at a heavily discounted price. Auction buyers tend to be investors searching for distressed properties to renovate and flip quickly, but most will draw the line at potentially serious roof problems, as roof repairs and water damage may not be quick to remedy. While selling to a cash buyer at auction avoids rejected mortgage complications, auctions don’t guarantee a sale.
The Property Rescue solution
For a truly hassle-free way to sell your roofing-afflicted home, property buying services like Property Rescue represent an attractive option.
There’s no need to worry about pricing negotiations or disclosures putting off buyers. We’ll make you a fair, up-front offer and cover all of the legal fees and survey costs involved in selling.
Moreover, we can buy your home in as little as 48 hours, meaning you don’t need to worry about expensive roof repairs. And with us, the sale is 100% guaranteed.
Get a no-obligation cash offer on your property today by filling in this 15-second form.