Open issues in the purchase of a semi-detached house with a neighbor

Hello,

although it is not a new building, I am about to buy a semi-detached house in a very nice location. However, the building surveyor who inspected the house with me noted the following at the interface to the neighbor (I have a photo):

>>>inspection revealed that the new metal flashing of the building in question at the neighboring house is poorly executed. This flashing was installed during the extension of the neighboring building and can only be a temporary solution.

According to plumbing guidelines, this constitutes a building defect because the metal flashing is improperly connected to the adjoining component (masonry of the neighboring building). Additionally, due to the missing exterior plaster and the structure of the unplastered masonry, rainwater can penetrate between the flashing and masonry, which may lead to moisture damage in the underlying masonry.

The exterior wall should be plastered professionally and the metal flashing should also be properly redone as soon as possible.
<<

How to proceed? Is a written document sufficient to protect me, stating that the neighbor will take care of this after the notarized contract is signed?
How reliable is that, and how would you proceed?

And a second point: in the basement room, two small damp spots with slight mold formation. However, this should be opened up and newly sealed and included in the purchase contract. The house is from 1993 and otherwise everything is fine.

How would you proceed, especially regarding the first issue?
Please let me know if anything is unclear.

Thank you very much Thorsten

Well, what does the neighbor have to do with your purchase? I see your chances rather slim. The current seller would have to address it and possibly cover part of the costs.

Hello Thorsten,

>>>upon visual inspection it was found that the new sheet metal connection of the building in question to the neighboring house is poorly executed. this sheet metal work was carried out in the course of the extension of the neighboring building and can only be a temporary solution.

according to plumbing guidelines, this is a construction defect, as the sheet metal is improperly connected to the rising component (masonry of the neighboring building). in addition, due to the missing exterior plaster and the structure of the unplastered masonry, rainwater can penetrate between the sheet metal and the masonry, which can lead to moisture damage in the masonry below.

the exterior wall should be promptly plastered professionally and the sheet metal work also professionally redone.<<

How to proceed? Is one document sufficient to protect myself, stating that the neighbor will still do this after the notarization?
How secure is that, how would you proceed?

It is certainly in the seller's interest that you purchase the semi-detached house. So he should ensure that a binding agreement – with a deadline – is made with the neighbor and that this becomes part of the notarized contract; there is hardly any more legal certainty. Because... what if you want to address this issue only afterwards via a "document" – and the neighbor, for example, says he has reached an agreement on this matter with the current owner of the semi-detached house which states that the costs will be borne by him, shared, or whatever? That there was a consensual solution? Then you will be left with a dumb look on your face.

And a second point: in the basement room, two small damp spots with slight mold formation. But it should be opened and newly sealed and thus included in the purchase contract. The house is from 1993, otherwise everything is fine.
How would you proceed, especially regarding the first issue?

As always in life – what is not in the contract is considered not purchased. If the elimination of the dampness in the basement – with a deadline – is also included in the notarized contract, then everything is fine.

Of course, there is also the possibility of a price reduction and you take on the vulnerable costs yourself. Provided those are the only items the expert has criticized.

Rhenish greetings

Ok thanks to you already, what does effective agreement mean? What can it look like?

Hello Thorsten,

Ok thanks to you all already what does effective agreement mean? What can it look like?

:confused:

What else should that mean other than that a binding and legally effective regulation on both topics is agreed in writing by the seller (current owner of the semi-detached house) with the neighbor (owner of the other semi-detached house) and is subsequently attached as an appendix to the notary contract to be concluded between the seller and you?

Rhenish greetings

effective agreement = document & passage that is notarized in the purchase contract and/or side agreement. Applies with current seller and neighbors. Not that the seller says it no longer concerns me.