Unique features can either increase or decrease property value.
It all depends on the circumstances.
One of the best examples is a septic tank.
They are much more common in rural areas than in urban ones.
This blog explores the process of selling your house with a septic tank.
What is a septic tank?
A septic tank is an underground container for water. You’ll find these underneath some properties across the UK.
It’s for treating wastewater in homes not connected to the central sewage system.
Liquid waste from a septic tank is automatically carried to a drainage field. Here, bacteria break down pollutants.
The remaining (clean) liquid then goes back into your land’s soil. They need to be emptied regularly.
Properties with a septic tank are most common in rural areas, especially on farms.
Permits for septic tanks
You do not need a permit if the septic tank is used for domestic discharge, i.e., your home’s:
- Toilet
- Bath
- Shower
- Kitchen.
But if it’s used for commercial purposes, a permit is needed.
Why homes have septic tanks
Historically, properties with septic tanks were typically far from main sewage networks.
Only in more recent years has the sewage network been expanded into rural areas in the UK.
As a result, for 100s of years, these properties were responsible for dealing with their own sewage.
It was a side effect of living in the countryside that’s only recently been solved.
Not all homeowners have taken the initiative to rectify this situation. Therefore, properties with septic tanks can still be found.
Selling your house with a septic tank
Yes, you can sell a house with a septic tank.
A buyer on the open market can get a mortgage on this type of property.
You just need to adhere to a few obligations.
To start with, you must tell your buyer about the septic tank. Don’t hide it from them.
You must also abide by the General Binding Rules (GBR) for Small Sewage Discharge. This is your legal requirement in the United Kingdom.
This may include building regulations approval and planning permission.
You’ll need to demonstrate this documentation and get it signed off by a qualified expert.
Steps for selling homes with septic tanks
Update the septic tank if needed
Your first step is to confirm the condition of the septic tank. Verify that it functions properly and is a suitable model.
You’ll usually already be aware if there’s a problem with it.
Gather all details about the septic tank
You must gather all the information that your buyer wants to know.
This includes the location of the septic tank, its model, and the location where it drains.
Buyers also want to know the age of the system, details about the manufacturer, and when the system was last emptied.
You should have documentation to verify this information.
It must also demonstrate details about when it was last inspected, along with information about planning permission and building regulations.
Ensure you are compliant with the law and regulations
For small sewage discharges in the UK, there are laws and regulations you must follow.
Double-check that you’re compliant with these requirements and can provide proof.
For example, you can’t drain straight into a river or stream. You can only discharge up to 2 cubic metres per day in volume.
You can’t pollute surface water. And you must always use the correct treatment system.
Make the situation clear to your buyer(s)
You must disclose information to your buyer(s) about your septic tank situation.
Make it clear that you’ve got one, and communicate all the relevant information that you’ve gathered above.
Your estate agent can advise on what needs to be said upfront and what can wait until later.
Ideally, you’ll educate your estate agent on all the salient points.
This enables them to reassure viewers and address their questions if any issues arise during the viewing.
Adjust your price accordingly
It’s no secret that a septic tank will impact the value of your property. You can read more about this further below.
Pricing your house should be part of your conversation with your estate agent.
An independent valuer can also offer guidance based on the local market.
Septic tank impact on selling prices
Your house price will be only slightly affected by the presence of a septic tank.
When it works well, has a large capacity, and all the documentation is available, it may only reduce the price by a few thousand pounds (if that).
Indeed, some people prefer septic tanks!
On the other hand, it can result in a 5% or 10% price reduction if the situation is poor. This could be because it’s old. Or perhaps there are ongoing legal disputes that remain unresolved.
The more information you can provide about maintenance, condition, age, capacity, regulations and more, the less of a negative effect it’ll have on your selling price.
