Inspection

Even if an inspection is not always relevant when selling a derelict house, there are responsibilities and obligations that apply regardless, which are good to be aware of. On this page, you can read about what an inspection is, its advantages, as well as the buyer's duty to investigate and the seller's duty to inform.

Inspection

Inspection of a house is carried out by an inspector, who issues an inspection report that indicates the condition of the house. However, these often follow a standard that is not applicable to old and dilapidated houses, so it is important to find one who is knowledgeable about older house construction.

By pre-inspecting the house, you as the seller show that you are serious and also have the chance to rectify any faults and deficiencies that can increase the value of the house. A buyer can also order an inspection on a house they are considering. Inspection is recommended for both sales through brokers and private transactions.

Why should I inspect the house?

  • The transaction goes faster

  • You have the chance to rectify any faults, which increases the value of the house

  • You show that you are serious and you get more serious prospects

  • The buyer can assess the needs and costs to rectify any deficiencies

Inspection report

An inspection report is the result of a property inspection carried out by an inspector. The inspection report indicates the condition of the house.

    • As the client, you determine the scope of the inspection – therefore, the content of inspection reports can vary.

    • Both buyers and sellers can order inspection reports.

Did you know that?

You who order an inspection own the inspection report. Neither the seller nor the buyer can demand that the other provide the report to them.

Buyer's duty to investigate

You who buy a house have a significant responsibility to investigate the property before purchase. This means that you should carefully examine the entire property, everything from the flush button in the toilet to the roof trusses.

  • If there are faults and deficiencies that the buyer should have discovered, it is not possible to deduct from the purchase price or rescind the purchase for that reason.

  • If there is a comprehensive inspection report from a certified inspector, which does not indicate any faults or deficiencies, and which the buyer gets to see, then they have fulfilled their duty to investigate.

Buyer's duty to investigate: Chapter 4, Section 19, Subsection 2 of the Land Code

“A deviation that the buyer should have discovered during such an investigation of the property that was warranted considering the condition of the property, the normal characteristics of comparable properties, and the circumstances of the purchase may not be invoked as a defect.”

The seller has a duty to inform

A seller who does not inform about faults they are aware of, and which the buyer could not have anticipated or found through an inspection, can be held responsible for them. An example of this could be an unpermitted extension (i.e., an extension without building permission).

  • A disclaimer clause cannot protect the seller from all costs if the seller conceals such faults from the buyer.

  • If the seller, for example, knows that an extension is an illegal construction and has a general disclaimer, the seller still risks being liable for costs associated with the illegal construction.

  • If the buyer, on the other hand, agrees to a disclaimer regarding the illegal construction, the buyer becomes responsible for the costs.

Contact

Questions?

Then you are welcome to call or email me at the contact details below. I can be best reached by phone on weekdays.

Pernilla Björverud

Pernilla Björverud

Project manager Find Home in My Northwest

Phone: 0703-80 01 76
Email: pernilla.bjorverud@mittnordvast.se