What should I ask about damp before buying?

Gather the history

Note staining, peeling finishes, musty smells, damaged joinery and any recently redecorated patches. Photograph their locations with permission. Ask whether the issue follows rainfall, appears during occupation or becomes noticeable when the home has been closed.

Request records of leaks, roof work, plumbing repairs, drainage changes and previous assessments. A seller can describe experience, but that account does not establish the underlying cause. Dry weather and newly painted walls can also limit what a viewing reveals.

Commission an appropriate assessment

Ask an independent engineer or suitably qualified building professional what inspection is needed. Moisture can have different sources, and a treatment proposed without diagnosis may not address the problem. Agree whether inaccessible roofs, concealed pipes or neighbouring structures need further investigation.

Seek a written explanation of findings, limitations and recommended next steps. Obtain separate repair proposals where appropriate and ask your lawyer about any shared structures or access permissions involved. Use the evidence to decide whether further investigation, revised terms or withdrawal should be discussed before commitment.