Is this damp?

[jack_m101]

Hi everyone,

I'm just looking for a bit of advice before booking in a surveyor on a property that I'm looking to buy.

I'm a first time buyer and have found a bungalow that I really want to purchase, however I'm concerned that there is an issue with damp all away around the property. There is a slight smell of damp inside the property, but nothing too strong, and no noticeable signs on the inside walls.

All around the outside of the property there is a yellow discoloration to the brick/stone work. Is this likely to be damp and is it a serious issue that will be costly to fix?

I'm very inexperienced so any advice is welcome regarding this.

The building was built in the 70's with a Cotswolds style stone. It has a concrete floor etc.

I will be getting a full survey done as I can't afford to buy a property with serious issues.

Thanks in advance
Jack

 

[blup]

It appears to be the course above the dpc, so could be localised damp. Or maybe a shrub or garden ornament had been resting on it

 

[RandomGrinch]

As it extends along most of the wall, it appears to me, to be staining and wetness, from the splashback of water and soil during rain; remaining wetter for longer above the DPC, due to the raised soil level.
That soil could really do with being dug out, to be a suitable level below the DPC, but hopefully no damage has occurred and the cavity has done it's job - keeping the water on the outside of the property.

 

[jack_m101]

Thanks for the reply guys! Yes my mum did say the soil must come out! I'm getting a building survey completed soon which will reveal all. It does smell damp inside but the internal walls are fine. So hopefully not much damage has been done!

 

[Old Salt]

Is the property empty? If its been shut up for a while with no heating or ventilation it could well be slightly damp internally.

 

[jack_m101]

Yes property has been empty since may! It was a rental property before hand. I've had damp mould inside a property before and could not see any black marks. It has old underfloor air heating system which I noticed was covered in dust inside one of the vents. So it probably just needs a thorough clean and some warmth put in it.