Introduction
When selling or renting a property, its condition directly affects its market value. Rising damp is one of the issues that can significantly lower a property’s worth. Beyond stains and damaged finishes, it influences buyer confidence, energy performance, and long-term maintenance costs.
First impressions matter
- Stains and salt deposits at the base of walls are immediately noticeable.
- Musty odours in rooms create a negative perception.
- Buyers often associate visible damp with hidden structural problems.
Impact on maintenance costs
- Flaking paint and damaged plaster require frequent repairs.
- Salt deposits weaken surfaces, leading to additional work.
- Buyers factor these ongoing costs into their negotiations.
Effect on energy efficiency
- Damp walls lose heat faster than dry walls.
- Higher heating bills reduce the property’s attractiveness.
- Poorer results in energy performance assessments.
Negotiation disadvantages
- Buyers use damp as leverage to lower the asking price.
- Properties with visible damp take longer to sell.
- Final sale prices are often reduced to cover expected repairs.
Long-term value preservation
Addressing rising damp helps protect not only the building materials but also the property’s market value. Modern, non-invasive technologies provide alternatives to invasive construction work:
- ATE (electronic systems) → electronic impulses to influence moisture movement.
- ATG (geomagnetic systems) → autonomous, no electricity or maintenance required.
Conclusion
Rising damp reduces property value by creating poor first impressions, increasing maintenance needs, lowering energy efficiency, and complicating negotiations. While it may appear as a surface problem, its effect on long-term property value is significant.