It’s worth keeping an eye out for signs of infestations because when you go to sell your home, you might notice a decrease in its value.
Terry Fisher at WeBuyAnyHome, said: “Signs of an infestation such as droppings in a loft or boreholes in timber are often dismissed until it’s time to sell.
“Then they crop up when a sale is in progress or a survey is carried out. In some cases it can deter buyers and in other cases it can completely collapse a sale.
“Some experts even estimate infestations can lower a property’s value by up to 20%.”
How infestations can decrease property value
Rats and mice
Rats are more common in urban areas and in particular can wreak havoc with properties, chewing through electrical wiring and damaging woodwork.
Mr Fisher, at WeBuyAnyHome, said: “When selling a home you need to declare all known information – including details of past and present infestations.
“If a rat infestation was small and occurred several years ago then it might not make much difference to a house’s value at all, especially if preventative measures have been put in place. But if it’s ongoing and you have failed to take action, this could spell a problem.
“It is worth getting an expert to compile a report on the problem and provide a fix. Failing to do this could deter potential buyers or drive down the price.”
Woodworm
Woodworm is very common in the UK and often goes unnoticed in roof timbers and floor joists.
If left without treatment it can cause serious structural damage, ultimately driving down the value of a home, according to Mr Fisher.
He said: “Acting fast is key with woodworm, but that’s easier said than done when they often live silently, eating their way into the roof timbers and underneath floors.
“Their presence usually shows up on surveys. If you know you have a problem, contact a professional who can take action before the issue gets any worse.”
Dry rot
Dry rot is commonly seen in older buildings and is a type of fungus that causes timber to rot.
This can show up as timber damage and, if not tackled, can spread to masonry and plaster.
Mr Fisher said: “Dry rot shows up where moisture levels in timber are high, so keep on top of proper ventilation and tackling leaks and cracks in pipes as soon as they happen.
“If left to spread, dry rot can be costly to fix. A house with a severe dry rot problem can deter buyers as repair bills can run into the thousands.
“Call the professionals as soon as you notice any signs of dry rot, such as white, fluffy growth, cracked or broken timber and an unpleasant smell.”
Native wild animals in the UK
He added: “With all types of infestations, delaying things is dangerous. If you suspect a problem, act fast and speak to a professional to avoid a negative impact on your property’s value.”
Do you have to tell a buyer about your infestation problem?
While hiring pest control to remove rats can cost you, it doesn’t stop there.
Saddat Abid, CEO at PropertySaviour.co.uk, explained that the real damage comes from the stigma and fear that infestations create among prospective buyers.
Even after the rats or other creatures have left the property, homeowners are legally obliged to declare any history of infestations when selling. This can be a red flag that prompts buyers to demand steep discounts or abandon the purchase altogether.
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It’s worth noting that insurers frequently refuse to cover damage caused by rodents, leaving owners to foot the bill for repairs to electrics, plumbing, insulation and even structural timber – costs that can easily spiral into the tens of thousands of pounds, explains Abid.
Some lenders may even refuse mortgages on properties with a known history of infestation, further compounding the problem.
“Rats aren’t just revolting – they’re absolute home wreckers,” says Abid.
“I recently bought a property where rats had chewed through electrical wiring. The previous owner had already spent thousands on electricians before realising what was causing the problem.”