Selling a house with structural problems can feel like navigating a maze blindfolded—61% of UK sellers admit the process left them stressed, while 1 in 3 transactions collapse due to survey shocks or buyer hesitancy. But what if you could bypass the headaches, dodge the legal minefields, and secure a guaranteed sale in days? That’s where we come in.
At Property Saviour, we’ve specialised in buying structurally compromised properties for over 15 years. No agents. No delays. Just fast cash offers and contracts tailored to your timeline.
Table of Contents
What are structural problems?
Structural issues in a residential building can arise from various factors, such as poor design or construction and structural defects that develop over time. These problems can compromise the stability of the building and may result from wear and tear since the initial construction.
In layman’s terms, structural problems can be any issues that impact the overall structural integrity of a dwelling.
These issues can be from design flaws, sub-standard building materials, shoddy construction work, or structural faults that have surfaced over time.
Over time, several structural issues can cause major concern for the homeowners, particularly if the property wasn’t lived in. There’s the uncertainty of how much will cost to rectify. If structural problems are severe, the only option left is demolition.
What is an example of a structural problem?
Bulging or leaning walls are one example of a structural problem.
Bulging or leaning walls may be difficult to detect as they can start subtly and only become obvious over time. Straight walls are the norm, so if you notice any leaning or bulging, it could signal a structural issue with the wall, its foundations or the drainage.
How much does a certificate of structural adequacy cost?
If you’re sorting out subsidence issues or need confirmation that structural repairs have been properly completed, you’ll likely need a Certificate of Structural Adequacy. Based on current pricing information, these certificates typically cost between £195+VAT to £295+VAT.
This might seem like yet another expense during what’s already a stressful process, but it’s an essential document that many mortgage providers, insurers and future buyers will request to verify your property’s structural integrity.
What Affects the Cost of Your Certificate?
The price can vary depending on several factors:
– The complexity of the structural work that was completed
– Whether the engineer needs to make multiple site visits
– The level of detail required in the certificate
– The location of your property (London and South East rates tend to be higher)
It’s worth noting that this certificate fee is separate from the cost of having a structural engineer oversee the actual building work. If you need a structural engineer to regularly inspect your property during repairs, this will incur additional charges based on their hourly rate (currently averaging £90-£200 per hour in 2025).
What Does a Certificate of Structural Adequacy Include?
For your money, you’ll receive an official document that typically details:
– The causes of the structural damage (particularly in subsidence cases)
– A description of repair work undertaken
– Confirmation that repairs were correctly implemented
– Verification that the property is now structurally sound
This certificate essentially “closes the loop” in the repair process, confirming that what was designed has actually been built correctly.
Who Can Issue This Certificate?
Not just anyone can provide this documentation. Most insurance companies, mortgage providers and loss adjusters require the certificate to be issued by a Chartered Member of the Institution of Structural Engineers. Their professional qualification ensures the assessment meets industry standards.
Is This the Same as a Guarantee?
It’s crucial to understand that a Certificate of Structural Adequacy is not technically a guarantee or warranty. However, the work is effectively backed by the chartered engineer’s professional liability insurance, which covers the design and advice provided.
When Budgeting for Property Repairs
If you’re dealing with significant structural issues like subsidence, remember to factor in not just the repair costs but also these additional expenses:
– Structural engineer inspections (£175-£300)
– Comprehensive structural reports (£500-£2,000)
– The Certificate of Structural Adequacy (£195-£295+VAT)
At Property Saviour, we understand these costs can add up quickly when you’re already dealing with the stress of structural problems. That’s why we’re always happy to discuss purchasing properties with structural issues, often helping owners avoid the time and expense of completing repairs themselves.
Need advice about selling a property with structural concerns? We’re just a phone call away and can provide straightforward guidance on your options.
Is It Possible to Sell a House With Structural Issues?
Forget auction fees or haggling with developers. Property Saviour cuts through the chaos with:
Cash purchases completed in 7–28 days
Zero fees—you keep 100% of our offer
No surveys required—we buy any house as-is
Legal defects handled by our team (tenants, squatters, title issues)
“Property Saviour gave me a fair price for my subsidence-hit terrace. They sorted the legal mess and completed in 10 days—when others walked away.” — Sarah in Leeds
How do I know if my property has structural problems?
Worried your house might have structural problems? You’re right to be concerned. I’ve helped loads of homeowners deal with these issues over the years, and I can tell you that spotting them early saves you a fortune and stops small problems turning into complete nightmares.
When we talk about structural problems, we’re talking about issues that affect how safe and stable your home is. About 20% of homes in the UK have some kind of structural problem, and fixing serious damage typically costs over £10,000. Let me run through the signs you should look out for before calling a structural engineer.
The Most Common Signs of Structural Damage
1. Cracks in Walls and Ceilings
Not every crack means disaster, but keep an eye out for these types:
- Horizontal cracks: These are often bad news, especially wide ones that run along walls or ceilings
- Stair-step cracks: You’ll see these zigzagging through brickwork when there’s foundation trouble
- Vertical cracks: If they’re wider at the top or bottom, your house might be sinking
- Big cracks around doorways or windows: These usually mean things are shifting
Those tiny hairline cracks from normal settling are usually nothing to worry about, but anything wider than 3mm needs checking out.
2. Door and Window Problems
Your doors and windows often show the first signs something’s up:
- Doors or windows that stick: If doors that used to open fine suddenly jam, the frame has probably warped
Gaps around frames: Look closely at the edges for signs things aren’t fitting right
Cabinet doors that won’t stay shut: If your cabinets are tilting away from the wall, that’s a bad sign
3. Wall Problems
Your walls should be straight:
- Bulging or leaning walls: Sometimes these changes start small before turning into obvious curves
- Walls pulling away from the house: Big cracks where walls join, especially under windows or at the roofline, can mean your house is literally coming apart
4. Floor Issues
Pay attention to what’s under your feet:
- Uneven or sloping floors: If a marble would roll across your floor, something’s shifting underneath
- Gaps between walls/ceiling and floors: Any noticeable spaces here usually mean foundation movement
- Floors that sag or dip: Especially check around the walls that hold up your house
5. Roof Problems
Look up for these warning signs:
- Sagging rooflines: Your roof should be straight – any dips suggest the supports are failing
- Roof leaks: Sometimes it’s just a roofing issue, but ongoing leaks might mean your roof timbers are moving
Where To Look For Structural Problems?
When checking your house, pay special attention to:
- Around doors and windows: These are natural weak spots in walls
- Where extensions meet the original building: Different parts often settle at different rates
- Basement walls and floors: Foundation problems usually show up here first
- Outside brickwork: Check corners and areas around openings
- The roof: Stand back and look for any sagging
When To Call The Experts
Sometimes you really need a professional opinion, especially when:
- You spot several new cracks in a short time
- Doors or windows suddenly stick
- Your floors are clearly sloping
- You hear creaking or cracking sounds
- Water’s getting in and you can’t figure out how
Structural engineers don’t just spot problems – they work out why they’re happening and how to fix them. Their know-how is especially important before buying a house or doing major work.
Why Catching Problems Early Matters
The sooner you spot structural issues, the less damage – and expense – you’ll face. Something that costs £2,000 to fix now could end up costing £20,000 if you leave it for years. Sorting things early protects your investment and keeps your home safe.
Is It Just Normal Settling Or Something Worse?
Houses do settle over time, especially newer ones. Here’s how to tell the difference:
- Normal settling: Usually causes thin, hairline cracks that don’t get bigger
- Structural problems: Creates cracks that grow wider over time, often with other issues like sticking doors
At Property Saviour, we’ve bought plenty of houses where the owners thought quirky features were just “character” but turned out to be serious structural issues. If you’re worried about your property, give us a call – we can help whether you need advice, someone to check things over, or you’re thinking about selling a house with problems.
What are different types of structural problems?
Structural problems can come in many forms with varying levels of severity. The most common types of structural problems found in houses include subsidence, heave, and movement. Structural damage can include:
- Subsidence is a particularly common structural problem and is often the subject of insurance claims.
- Minor cases of subsidence, also known as settlement, are typically less severe, while major cases can be a serious structural issue. Subsidence can be caused by a variety of factors, such as ground conditions and geological problems, clay shrinkage, the removal of moisture from the ground by trees, water leaks, erosion, and mining subsidence in former mining areas.
- Heave is the opposite of subsidence and occurs when the ground rises instead of sinking. Like subsidence, heave can also be a structural issue.
- Wall ties are crucial for holding together the internal and external walls that form cavity walls in most houses. If these connections fail, the walls can bulge or even collapse.
- Asbestos was commonly used in houses for insulation and fire safety until the 1980s. It is sometimes considered a structural defect.
- If your house lacks a damp course or if the damp course has been breached, this could be seen as a structural issue.
- Invasive weeds are rapid-growing plants that can cause significant harm to properties. One particularly serious invasive weed is the Japanese Knotweed, known for its ability to cause structural damage.
- Structural issues affecting houses may also include red ash flooring, mundic and concrete affected by sulphate attack. These issues can impact the integrity and stability of a house, requiring careful attention and proper assessment. It’s important to address these issues promptly to ensure the safety and longevity of the property.
To address subsidence, it is important first to identify and address the root cause. Then, the damage caused by the subsidence must be repaired. In some severe cases, a house may require underpinning of its foundation to stabilise it.
Structural Problems with Houses of Non Standard Constructions
In addition to subsidence and heave, non-standard construction homes are considered structurally defective. These include:
- Timber-framed buildings
- Thatched buildings
- Cob or mud-walled buildings
- Buildings made with asbestos or corrugated iron
- Concrete frame or panel houses
- System-built houses
In addition to this, the type of materials used can be considered to be dangerous. One example is the wide use of Asbestos as an insulation or a fire barrier material.
Damp can be considered a structural problem, depending on its cause. In some cases, structural problems can lead to damp.
Dry and wet rot are common structural issues caused by damp conditions that allow the fungus to spread rapidly.
Flat roofs can be considered a structural problem if they leak or have been poorly constructed.
Invasive weeds such as Japanese Knotweed can also cause structural damage to property. Often, Japanese Knotweed or JK can be spread from neighbouring properties.
Woodworms are tiny wood-boring insects that can destroy the structural strength of the timber used in roofs, walls, and floors. Furniture Beetle is a common type of woodworm.
How much does subsidence devalue property?
You can sell a property that has been underpinned as long as the work has been completed to a high standard and there are no current structural or subsidence issues. Typically, underpinning can decrease the value of a property by about 20-25%.
The cost of property devaluation due to subsidence is determined by the repair costs and the perceived monetary value of the time required for the repairs. For an investor, the property may not be profitable for renting or selling while subsidence repairs are ongoing.
This could result in a loss of rental income during the repair period, which might be considered in the overall devaluation estimation. The actual devaluation amount will vary among buyers, influenced by how they assess the importance of their time and cost elements.
How to diagnose a structural problem?
It can be difficult to identify structural problems on your own. It is best to get advice from a trusted builder and then instruct a structural engineer from The Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS) if a formal report is necessary. Their website can help you find a surveyor in your area.
It is highly likely that a professional surveyor will recommend structural testing, such as digging holes to check the foundation and to monitor the problem over several years. He/she can also provide an indicative cost for repairs. But what happens if you need to sell now?
Why Traditional Methods of Sale Fail for Structural Defects?
You can try to find a buyer without fixing the problems, which can save you time and money. However, this may limit the number of interested buyers.
When selling a home with structural issues, you have a few options:
- Estate agents may find selling your home challenging and will still charge fees.
- Another option is to auction your property, but there’s no guarantee of a sale with all upfront costs.
- Lastly, you can contact a quick property buying company. Here at Property Saviour, we specialise in purchasing homes with structural problems for a fast sale without fees.
This table shows why traditional methods of sale may not work:
| Method | Risk | Property Saviour’s Solution |
|---|---|---|
| Estate Agents | Buyers pull out post-survey (31% fallout) | Guanteed sale—we never backtrack |
| Auctions | High fees (up to 7.5%), no price certainty | Zero fees, fixed cash offer upfront |
| Cash Buyers | Lowball bids (20–40% below market) | Competitive offers—no undervaluing |
| DIY Repairs | Costly fixes (£5k–£50k), delays, stress | Buy as-is—keep your time and money |
Can you make a claim against your insurance company?
You absolutely can make a claim against your insurance. However, as with most insurance companies it depends on the wording of your policy and their exclusion rules.
Structural issues are one of the main reasons for disputes between insurers and homeowners, often resulting in a referral to the Financial Ombudsman Service.
Your insurance company’s surveyor will act in their client’s best interest to deny your claim. The list of excuses can include:
- Lack of maintenance by you
- Subsidence may not be covered under your policy
- The structural problem existed before you purchased the policy
- It is settlement and not subsidence.
Trying to get insurance companies to accept liability can be a real battle. It can be a very stressful experience. Even if you are successful, they would want you to pay £1,000 excess to cover the cost of any repairs. You might consider hiring a loss assessor to help with your claim.
Once your claim has settled in your favour, and hopefully you have a payout from the insurance company, you can sell your property ‘as is’.
Do I Have to Disclose Structural Issues?
Yes — But We’ll Help You Through It.
Let’s be honest—discovering structural problems with your home can feel utterly overwhelming. That knot in your stomach when you realise you’ll need to declare subsidence or rot on your TA6 form? We’ve seen it hundreds of times.
But here’s the thing: this doesn’t have to be the nightmare scenario you’re imagining.
At Property Saviour, we understand what you’re going through. The worry about whether anyone will want your property, the stress of potential repair costs, the confusion about your legal obligations—it’s a lot to handle on your own.
That’s why we’re different. While most buyers run a mile from properties with problems, we specifically look for them. Subsidence? Woodworm? Japanese knotweed? We’ve bought them all, and we can buy yours too.
We’ll sort everything:
- Structural engineer reports – We’ll arrange and cover the cost completely
- Legal disclosure requirements – Our team will guide you through every step of the TA6 form, ensuring you’re fully protected
- All those complicated bits – Whether it’s title defects, planning breaches, or problematic tenants refusing to leave
Just imagine: no more lying awake at night wondering how on earth you’ll sell your property. No more quotes from builders that make your eyes water. No more estate agents subtly suggesting you might need to drop your price by half.
Instead, one phone call to us, a fair cash offer, and the freedom to move on with your life.
Thousands of homeowners across the UK have already discovered how we turn property nightmares into simple, straightforward sales. Why not join them?
Give us a ring today—we’re real people who genuinely want to help.
Will anyone buy my house if it has subsidence?
Absolutely! While subsidence terrifies most buyers and estate agents, we specialise in properties with exactly these issues. Whether you’re facing crumbling foundations, spreading cracks in your walls, or that heart-stopping moment when you notice your floors aren’t quite level anymore, we can help. We’ve purchased numerous properties with subsidence issues across England, Scotland and throughout Wales.
Can I sell a property with severe damp & rot problems?
Yes, even with the worst cases. Dry rot that’s spreading through your timbers, rising damp that’s ruined your plaster, or penetrating damp that’s turned your walls into a soggy mess—none of these will stop us making you a fair offer. We understand these issues can be health hazards for your family, which is why we aim to complete quickly, allowing you to move on without expensive remedial work.
Is it possible to sell a house with a damaged roof?
Absolutely possible! Sagging roof structures, missing tiles, water damage to ceilings, or even the dreaded discovery of asbestos in your roof space—these issues might send typical buyers running, but they’re precisely what we look for. We’ve helped numerous homeowners who simply couldn’t afford the £15,000+ quotes they were getting for comprehensive roof repairs.
Can I still sell if Japanese knotweed has been found on my property?
Yes, even with severe Category 1 infestations. Finding Japanese knotweed can feel like a property death sentence, especially when mortgage lenders back away. We’ve purchased properties with extensive knotweed problems, taking on the specialist treatment programs and associated costs ourselves. You won’t need to worry about the 5+ year management plans or the hefty bills that come with them.
What if my property has failed building regulations or has poor DIY work?
That’s exactly our specialty! Whether it’s a botched extension built without proper permissions, load-bearing walls that have been removed without structural support, or DIY electrical work that makes professionals wince—we’ve seen it all. We will deal with complexities of retrospective planning permission and remedial work so you don’t have to.
Don’t let these structural issues keep you trapped in a property you need to move on from. At Property Saviour, we offer fair, hassle-free cash purchases, even for the most challenging properties. We cover all legal fees, require no repairs or renovations from you, and can complete in as little as 10 days if needed.
Ring us today for a friendly, no-obligation chat about how we can help solve your property problems.
How to Sell a House with Structural Issues?
If need to sell a home with structural issues, it is best to sell to a cash buyer such as Property Saviour. We’ll save you the hassle of putting up property for sale with an agent.
There are no fees to pay. We’ll buy your house for cash. We will also pay you £1,500 towards your legal fees, and the whole transaction can be completed within a couple of weeks. Why not get in touch with us now?
Here are 5 Reasons to Choose Property Saviour for Problem Properties
✅ Speed: 94% of sales complete in under 4 weeks
✅ Certainty: Contractually binding offers—no gazundering
✅ Expertise: 15+ years resolving severe structural defects
✅ No Fees: Save £1,000s vs agents/auctions
✅ Stress-Free: We manage everything, from legals to keys
Act Now Before Costs Snowball
Don’t Let Structural Problems Steal Your Peace of Mind. Structural issues worsen over time. A hairline crack today could mean £15k underpinning tomorrow. The longer you wait, the lower your sale price.
Ready for a Guaranteed Sale?
We help homeowners sell quickly. You’re just one call away from certainty.
Sell with certainty & speed
Property Saviour Price Promise
- The price we’ll offer is the price that you will receive with no hidden deductions.
- Be careful with ‘cash buyers’ who require a valuation needed for a mortgage or bridging loan.
- These valuations or surveys result in delays and price reductions later on.
- We are cash buyers. There are no surveys.
- We always provide proof of funds with every formal offer issued.
We'll Pay £1,500 Towards Your Legal Fees
- No long exclusivity agreement to sign because we are the buyers.
- You are welcome to use your own solicitor.
- If you don’t have one, we can ask our solicitors for recommendations.
- We share our solicitor’s details and issue a Memorandum of Sale.
Sell With Certainty & Speed
- Our approach is transparent and ethical, which is why sellers trust us.
- 100% Discretion guaranteed.
- If you have another buyer, you can put us in a contracts race to see who completes first.
- Complete in 10 days or at a timescale that works for you. You are in control.
