When selling a home, there’s always a number of boxes to tick and concerns to address. One question that may come up is: ‘Do I need to test for radon before selling my home?’ If you’ve just come across radon for the first time, the topic can seem daunting. What exactly is radon? Do you need to worry about it? And if the property you’d like to sell has high levels of radon, what should you do?
At PropertECO, we’re here to clear the air when it comes to guiding you through everything you need to know about radon and the steps you should take before selling your property.
What is Radon?
Radon is a radioactive gas caused by the natural decay of tiny amounts of uranium found in the rocks and soil in the ground beneath us. While radon gas occurs naturally, it can also enter buildings unnoticed and accumulate in high concentrations. Because radon is invisible, odourless and tasteless, the only way to detect it is through specialised testing.
High concentrations of radon are a health hazard, particularly in poorly ventilated spaces. Long-term exposure to high radon levels have been found to increase the risk of lung cancer, which is why it’s so important to assess your home’s radon levels, whether buying, selling or staying.
Should I Test for Radon Before Selling My Home?
In short, yes. You should test for radon before selling a property, especially if it’s in a radon-affected area. Buyers are becoming increasingly aware of the dangers of radon, and their solicitors may flag radon-related concerns during the buying process. By testing beforehand, you can address the issue proactively, avoiding any surprises or delays in the sale.
If you’ve already tested your property, be sure to have the results handy. If not, the new owners may request a retention—a sum of money held back to cover potential radon mitigation costs.
Is Radon Testing a Valuable Selling Point?
While a potential buyer may not initially ask about radon levels, you can offer them peace of mind by having a radon test report ready.
Furthermore, radon testing might be flagged during a buyer’s survey or solicitor report, especially if your property is in a radon-affected area. Being prepared can speed up the transaction and prevent any last-minute complications.
I’m Buying a House and I’m Not Sure Whether it has Been Tested for Radon
If you’re on the buying side and unsure whether the home you’re purchasing has been tested for radon, it’s well within your rights to ask the current owners for proof of testing. If the seller has conducted a three-month radon test, they should provide a copy of the report. If not, you can negotiate a retention with your solicitor so that you can conduct a radon test once you’ve moved in.
It’s important to remember that buying a property in a radon-affected area should not put you off the sale. Though mitigating high radon levels requires consultation with radon experts, the solution is often simple and cost-effective.
What is a Retention?
A retention is a sum of money held back during the property sale process and typically ranges between £800 and £3,000. A retention is there to cover potential remediation costs if high radon levels are detected. Often, the money will be held by one of the solicitors for six months, allowing time for the new owner to test the property and receive the results.
If the radon levels are found to be below the recommended ‘Action Level’, the retention funds go back to the seller. If levels are high, the retention is used for remedial work. Any remaining funds, after the remediation costs, will be returned to the seller.
Key Things to Remember When Testing for Radon
- Test occupied properties: Testing should be done when the home is occupied, as radon levels can fluctuate based on usage patterns and ventilation. If you know the house will be vacant for a while, plan ahead so the property can be tested under normal living conditions.
- Longer tests yield more accurate results: A standard three-month test provides the most reliable reading of radon levels. While shorter tests are available, they are less precise and may not reflect the true risk over time.
How Much Does a Radon Test Cost?
With all the costs involved in selling or moving house, you’ll be pleased to know that a radon test won’t break the bank. Radon testing kits can be purchased for around £40, making it a small investment for the peace of mind it provides.
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