Radon gas is under your house.
The test proved it. Now buyers won’t come near you.
I’m Saif Derzi, founder of Property Buyers Today. I buy problem properties that scare others away.
Radon is radioactive. It causes cancer. Banks refuse mortgages when they see radon reports.
Your house sits empty.
Fixing radon costs £1,500 to £3,000. But that doesn’t bring buyers back. They’re still too scared. Banks still say no.
I’ve bought radon properties before.
Cash buyers understand the problem. We complete sales in weeks. No mortgage needed. No scared families walking away.
This guide shows you how to sell fast. You’ll learn what radon does to your price. You’ll see why cash works best.
Simple answers to a scary problem.
- Understanding Radon Gas and Its Impact on Property Sales
- Selling Options for Properties with Radon Gas
- Challenges of Selling Properties with Radon Contamination
- Legal Disclosure and Testing Requirements
- Radon Remediation and Mitigation Solutions
- Should You Remediate Before Selling?
- Pricing and Marketing Strategies for Radon-Affected Properties
- Why Choose Property Buyers Today for Selling Your House with Radon Gas
Understanding Radon Gas and Its Impact on Property Sales
Radon is a natural radioactive gas that comes from rocks underground.
It seeps up through cracks in floors and walls. You can’t see it, smell it, or taste it. Long-term exposure causes lung cancer – it’s the second biggest cause after smoking.
Cornwall, Devon, and Derbyshire have the highest radon levels in the UK. Parts of Northamptonshire and Somerset show high readings too. I’ve seen buyers pull out when they discover radon problems.
Radon gets measured in Becquerels per cubic metre. The UK action level is 200 Becquerels. Properties above this need fixing.
High radon risk areas:
- Cornwall and Devon
- Derbyshire Peak District
- Parts of Somerset
- Northamptonshire
High radon properties lose 5-10% of their value. Low-risk homes sell normally. Buyers in affected areas now ask about radon before making offers.
Check UK radon maps to see your area’s risk level. Want to know your house’s worth in a radon area? Factor in testing and fixing costs.
Test your home if you’re in a high-risk area.
Selling Options for Properties with Radon Gas
Here are the 3 primary methods to sell your property when radon gas is present…
Estate Agents
The conventional route creates significant challenges for houses with radon gas:
- Average sale duration: 6-12 months (extended timeframe – buyers are concerned about health risks and mitigation costs)
- Many sales fall through when radon test results reveal elevated levels
- You need agents experienced with radon properties and mitigation solutions
- You’ll encounter these costs:
- Agent commissions (up to 3%)
- Solicitor fees (up to £4,000)
- Radon testing and measurement (£50-£150)
- Radon mitigation system installation (£1,000-£2,500)
- Follow-up testing after mitigation (£50-£100)
- Limited buyers interested in properties with radon issues
Property Buyers Today
When radon gas makes your property difficult to market:
- We can complete within just 7 days
- No financing complications or mitigation requirements needed
- What you receive:
- No agent fees
- We handle legal costs
- No property viewings – we buy radon-affected houses as they stand
- No mitigation expenses – we manage radon systems ourselves
- We understand radon gas and remediation methods
- Completion date you can trust
- Consideration: Receive up to 85% of property value (often better after mitigation costs and prolonged delays)
Professional cash house buyers like Property Buyers Today understand radon gas complications and handle all procedures.
Property Auction
Auctioning attracts purchasers who deal with radon-affected properties:
- Duration: 3-4 months
- Sale finalises instantly when gavel drops
- Key factors:
- Property sold as-is – bidders review radon test reports
- Attracts investors and renovation specialists
- Suitable for mitigation projects – draws appropriate buyers
- Radon levels disclosed in auction legal pack
- Wait 4-8 weeks until auction date
- Wait 28 days to finalise the transaction
- Registration fees (up to £1,000)
- Auction house charges (up to 6%)
- Full radon gas information must be disclosed to all bidders
Review our guide on selling a house at auction to understand how this process works for properties with radon gas.
Challenges of Selling Properties with Radon Contamination
Selling a home with radon problems is extremely difficult. Buyers fear health risks, and banks get nervous. These challenges make your sales much slower and more stressful.
Health Anxiety & Stigma
Radon’s cancer link terrifies buyers immediately.
Radon is a radioactive gas linked to lung cancer. Families with children especially panic about this invisible danger you can’t see or smell.
The invisible nature makes it scarier than problems you can see. Buyers struggle to accept it even when remediation systems exist.
Many buyers simply won’t consider homes in high-radon areas at all. No amount of explaining changes their mind once they know about the risk.
Mortgage & Valuation Barriers
Banks often refuse to lend on radon properties.
Lenders require radon testing in affected areas and may downvalue your home significantly. Some demand that remediation systems be installed before releasing mortgage money.
Others refuse mortgages completely, making your property un-mortgageable for most buyers. You’re left with only cash buyers or people using specialist lenders.
This dramatically cuts your buyer pool. Most people can’t afford to buy without a mortgage.
Survey-Triggered Deal Collapse
Surveys always flag radon risks.
Professional surveyors document radon concerns in their reports. This gives buyers official proof to demand huge price cuts or walk away completely.
Even buyers who made offers pull out after seeing survey results. The written warning about cancer risk frightens them badly.
Sales collapse post-survey regularly. You’re back to square one with wasted time and money on legal work.
Remediation Cost Negotiations
Buyers demand big price cuts.
Radon testing costs £50-150, and remediation systems cost £1,000-£2,500 or more. Buyers want all this money off, plus extra for the hassle.
Even after fixing radon, the property history creates ongoing stigma. Future buyers will still know it’s in a radon area.
These permanent stigma issues affect resale value forever. Buyers factor this into how much they’ll pay now.
Dramatically Extended Sale Times
Your home sits unsold for much longer.
Only a tiny minority of buyers accept radon risk. Understanding why your house isn’t selling often comes down to radon fears buyers won’t overcome.
Winter makes this worse. Buyers have more time to research health implications and talk themselves out of the purchase.
Other properties without radon consistently win. When buyers compare options, yours always loses because of the radon issue.
Legal Disclosure and Testing Requirements
You must tell buyers if you know about radon problems.
The TA6 form asks about radon testing and results. Hiding high readings breaks the law. I’ve seen sellers face legal action for not disclosing radon issues.
Testing is recommended in high-risk areas. Professional tests take three months using special detectors. Results show if your home is above the 200 Becquerel action level.
Environmental searches reveal radon risk automatically. Local authority searches show if your area has problems. Buyers’ solicitors run these checks every time.
When to test:
- High-risk postcodes
- Ground floor properties
- Before listing your home
Public Health England maps show affected areas clearly. Check the government radon guidance for your postcode.
Your solicitor must check the radon risk during the conveyancing process. They’ll advise what to disclose.
Hiding radon can kill your sale. Buyers can pull out if they discover undisclosed high readings. Worse, they can sue after completion.
Test before listing in high-risk areas. Disclose results honestly to avoid legal trouble later.
Radon Remediation and Mitigation Solutions
Fixing radon problems makes your home safer and easier to sell. Professional solutions reduce radon levels dramatically. These methods give buyers confidence that the problem is properly solved.
Radon Sumps & Sub-Floor Depressurisation
This is the most effective radon solution available.
A sump chamber goes beneath your floor, connected to a pipe that vents radon safely outside. This reduces radon levels by over 90%.
Passive systems use natural airflow while active systems use fans. Active systems with fans provide the most reliable long-term protection.
This solution works brilliantly for most homes. Buyers trust it because it’s proven and recommended by radon experts.
Positive Ventilation Units
These units pump fresh air in while pushing radon out.
They continuously blow filtered air into your property. This dilutes radon concentrations by mixing in lots of clean air.
These work well when you can’t access beneath the floors easily. They typically cost £800-£1,500 installed and give good results for moderate radon levels.
Buyers appreciate these because they’re simpler than floor work. The units are visible, so buyers can see the solution is actually there.
Sealing & Barrier Methods
Sealing cracks stops radon from getting in.
Specialist radon-proof membranes seal floor cracks, service entry points, and wall-floor gaps. This prevents radon from entering your building.
This works best combined with ventilation systems, not alone. Getting 100% airtightness is basically impossible, so you need backup protection.
Professional sealing is important. DIY attempts often miss critical entry points that experts would catch.
Professional Installation Costs
Expect to pay £800-£2,500 for proper remediation.
Costs depend on system type, your property size, and how complex the work is. Professional installation with guarantees is essential.
DIY sealing might help a bit, but won’t satisfy mortgage lenders. Banks need professional certification proving that the work is done properly.
This investment makes your home sellable again. Without professional remediation, your buyer pool stays tiny.
Post-Remediation Testing & Verification
Testing proves the remediation actually worked.
Follow-up radon tests happen 3-12 months after remediation. Independent verification shows levels now fall below the 200 Bq/m³ safe limit.
Certification is crucial for resale. Buyers need proof that the system works, not just your promise.
Annual testing demonstrates continued compliance with building regulations and maintains effectiveness. For more information on reducing radon, visit UK Radon’s guidance.
Should You Remediate Before Selling?
Fixing radon before selling often makes financial sense.
Radon remediation costs £800-£2,500 for most homes. A sump system sucks gas out before it enters your house. This work typically recovers your full asking price in high-risk areas.
I’ve seen unremediated homes lose 5-15% of their value. That’s £10,000-£30,000 on a £200,000 house. Fixing radon costs much less.
Successful remediation certificates prove your home is safe now. Test results below 200 Becquerels reassure buyers completely. These documents help sales in affected areas.
Remediation benefits:
- Full asking price achieved
- Faster sales completion
- Certificates prove safety
Marketing remediated properties is easier. Buyers in Cornwall and Devon expect radon fixes already done. I’ve watched fixed homes sell while unfixed ones sit on the market.
Need a quick sale? Selling as-is avoids the 4-6 week fixing period. Price reductions of £3,000-£5,000 often work instead.
Some problems aren’t worth fixing before selling. Radon usually is worth fixing, though.
Get a house valuation to compare remediation costs versus price drops.
Fix radon in high-risk areas. The investment pays back.
Pricing and Marketing Strategies for Radon-Affected Properties
Smart pricing and honest marketing help sell radon-affected homes. The right approach attracts serious buyers who understand the issue. These strategies turn a problem into a manageable selling point.
Upfront Transparency with Test Results
Share radon test data in your listing immediately.
If remediated, show before-and-after levels proving successful reduction below 200 Bq/m³. If untreated, provide current readings with remediation quotes attached.
Honesty filters out time-wasters who’ll panic later. You only get viewings from buyers serious about dealing with radon.
This prevents survey surprises that kill deals. Buyers appreciate knowing upfront rather than discovering problems weeks into the process.
Price to Reflect Remediation Reality
Your price must account for radon honestly.
If unremediated, reduce your asking price by the full remediation cost (£800-£2,500) plus 10-15% extra for buyer hassle. This makes your property competitive.
If already remediated, price competitively but show the solved problem as a bonus. Don’t overprice, hoping buyers won’t notice the radon area.
Understanding how much you can sell your house for with radon means being realistic about what buyers will actually pay.
Lead with Remediation Success Story
Turn completed remediation into a selling point.
State clearly: “Professionally remediated radon system installed with certification—levels now well below safety thresholds.” This shifts focus from problem to solution.
This shows responsible ownership and removes the buyer’s burden. They don’t need to organise or pay for remediation themselves.
Buyers appreciate homes where problems are already fixed. It’s one less thing to worry about after moving in.
Target Local & Investment Buyers
Focus on buyers who understand radon areas.
Residents in places like Cornwall, Derbyshire, or Northamptonshire know radon is manageable. They view it pragmatically, not as a catastrophe.
Experienced investors understand radon, too. They factor remediation costs into their calculations and move quickly without excessive panic.
These buyers don’t need convincing that radon is survivable. They already accept it as a solvable issue, not a dealbreaker.
Emphasise Unrelated Property Strengths
Promote features that have nothing to do with radon.
Talk about your modern kitchen, energy efficiency, beautiful garden, or good school catchment. Highlight transport links and local amenities.
Give buyers multiple reasons to say yes. They need positive features to balance against the radon concern.
Strong property features help buyers justify their decision. They can tell themselves they’re buying for the kitchen and location, with radon being just one managed aspect.
Why Choose Property Buyers Today for Selling Your House with Radon Gas
Let me level with you…
Discovering radon gas in your property creates serious complications when selling.
Most buyers will demand expensive mitigation systems, mortgage lenders often won’t proceed without remedial work, and the whole process can grind to a halt.
If you’d rather not deal with extraction systems, retesting, and nervous buyers, I completely understand.
I should be honest with you—we won’t offer you the full market price because we have our own costs and we aim to sell the property on as quickly as possible.
But here’s why homeowners facing this issue still choose to sell their house fast with us…
Speed
Most house sales take months, but we can buy your property in as little as 7 days.
This quick process is perfect if you need to move soon or want to avoid being stuck in a long chain of buyers and sellers. We have the cash on hand so don’t need to wait for mortgages or a chain to collapse.
Guaranteed Sale
Did you know 1 in 3 sales fall through on the open market?
We know how frustrating it is to get 6 months into a process and have a buyer pull out.
When we give you the final price for your house, that’s the amount you’ll get. Guaranteed!
No Costs
You won’t face any costs with us.
We handle all the expenses involved in buying your property, including legal fees and surveys. You get cash in your bank when the sale is complete, and there are no surprise estate agent commissions to worry about.
No Stress Or Hassle
Our team supports you through the whole selling process.
We keep you updated about what’s happening and answer any questions quickly. You’ll always understand what’s going on with your sale and what happens next.
Free Property Valuation
Our property experts will value your house at no cost to you.
They look carefully at your property and check local market prices to give you an accurate figure. This professional service comes with no obligations.
No Viewings Required
Forget about cleaning and tidying for viewings.
We don’t need multiple visits or open houses to make our offer. This means no strangers walking through your home, and no disruption to your daily life.
All Properties Welcome
Whether your house needs work or is in perfect condition, we’ll buy it.
We have experience with all types of properties and conditions. This means you can sell your house to us no matter what state it’s in.
Professional Legal Service
Our expert team manages all the legal requirements for you.
We work with experienced property lawyers who make sure everything runs smoothly, and put your property at the top of their list. This gives you peace of mind that your sale is being handled properly from start to finish.
