Should I Buy a House with Woodworm

Buying a house with woodworm can raise serious questions, especially for first-time buyers or anyone unfamiliar with structural defects. While the presence of woodworm does not always mean a property is uninhabitable or beyond saving, it can carry significant costs and risks if left untreated. Knowing what to look for, how to assess the severity and what steps to take before committing to the purchase can help you make an informed decision.

This guide explores what woodworm is, how it affects properties, what buyers need to consider and when to walk away or negotiate.

What is woodworm and why does it matter?

Woodworm refers to the larvae of wood-boring beetles that feed on timber. Over time, they create a network of tunnels inside wooden structures, weakening the material and potentially compromising the strength of floors, roof timbers, joists and other essential parts of a building. Common species in the UK include the common furniture beetle and the deathwatch beetle, both of which are known for affecting older homes.

In many cases, infestations can be successfully treated, especially if caught early. However, if the problem is widespread or has gone unnoticed for years, it can lead to serious structural issues that require major repairs. Surveyors take woodworm seriously because it may indicate other hidden problems such as damp, poor ventilation or neglected maintenance.

How do you know if a house has woodworm?

Signs of woodworm include small round holes in timber, powdery dust known as frass, crumbling wood edges, and sometimes the presence of dead or live beetles. These symptoms may be visible in exposed beams, roof spaces, floorboards or under carpets. However, not all woodworm holes are active. Some may be historic and no longer a threat.

A qualified surveyor or timber specialist will be able to assess whether an infestation is current and how severe it is. If you are considering a house with suspected woodworm, a full building survey or timber report is strongly recommended before proceeding.

Can you get a mortgage on a house with woodworm?

Lenders may still agree to finance a property with woodworm, but they will usually require evidence that the infestation is under control or that treatment is planned. This is especially true if the issue affects load-bearing timbers or roof supports. In some cases, the lender may retain part of the mortgage funds until the work is completed, or make it a condition of release that the buyer arranges professional treatment immediately after purchase.

If the woodworm is limited and has already been treated, you may only need to provide certification or a guarantee to satisfy the lender. However, if the infestation is active and widespread, the lender may view the property as too risky without major repairs.

How much does it cost to treat woodworm?

The cost of treating woodworm in a house depends on the extent of the infestation and which areas are affected. For small areas such as a few floorboards or a single loft beam, treatment could cost between £300 and £700. For a full loft space or large structural timbers, the cost might rise to £1,500 or more. If replacement timbers are needed or floor joists are badly damaged, the repair work can exceed £5,000.

Some properties may also require improvements to ventilation or damp proofing to prevent a recurrence. That adds further to the cost and timescale of making the house safe and habitable.

Should you walk away or negotiate?

If a house has woodworm, the key is to understand the extent of the problem before making a decision. A minor historic infestation that has been treated and certified may not pose any risk and should not stop you buying the property. However, an active or advanced infestation involving structural damage is a different matter. In this case, you may want to renegotiate the purchase price to reflect the cost of treatment and repairs.

If the seller is unwilling to reduce the price or provide the necessary paperwork, you should think carefully before proceeding. In some cases, the uncertainty may make the property unsuitable, especially if your budget does not stretch to unexpected repairs or if the lender refuses to release funds until the issue is resolved.

Are there any guarantees or protections available?

Many professional timber treatment companies offer guarantees on their work, often lasting 10 to 30 years. If the property has been treated in the past, ask the seller for paperwork confirming the treatment and warranty. This can provide reassurance to both you and your mortgage lender that the issue has been resolved and is unlikely to return.

Make sure the guarantee is backed by an insurance provider or trade body in case the original contractor is no longer trading. You can also request that the seller pays for a new inspection or treatment as part of the sale agreement if woodworm is discovered during your survey.

Conclusion

Buying a house with woodworm is possible and often manageable, but it depends on the scale of the problem and how it has been handled. A minor infestation with a valid guarantee may not pose any lasting risk, but an untreated or advanced case could lead to costly repairs and mortgage complications. Always commission a specialist survey before proceeding, and use the findings to negotiate, protect your investment and ensure the property is safe and sound for the future.