A couple's dream of owning a picturesque holiday flat by the sea quickly turned into a financial nightmare after they discovered severe damp and structural problems, rendering the property uninhabitable.
Sarah and her partner, who wished to remain anonymous, purchased the flat in Weston-super-Mare for £90,000, envisioning it as a perfect getaway and potential rental investment. However, their excitement soon faded when they uncovered extensive damp, crumbling walls, and a leaking roof.
A Costly Disaster
The couple had initially planned to renovate the property themselves, but the scale of the damage quickly became apparent. "We thought it would be a simple fix," Sarah said. "But the more we looked, the worse it got."
After spending £20,000 on repairs, they were forced to abandon the project, leaving them with a property they couldn't use or sell. "It's been a complete nightmare," Sarah admitted. "We feel utterly let down."
Warning to Buyers
The couple now hope their story serves as a cautionary tale for others considering similar purchases. "Always get a full survey," Sarah urged. "We skipped it to save money, and it's cost us far more in the long run."
Experts agree, emphasising the importance of thorough checks before buying any property, especially older buildings in coastal areas prone to damp and structural issues.
