Selling a house with a septic tank

Selling a house often comes with challenges, but if your home has a septic tank, there are extra steps you’ll need to take to keep buyers and solicitors happy. The rules for septic tanks changed in 2020 and were updated in 2023, so if you’re looking to sell, you need to make sure you’ve brushed up on what you need to do. 

What is a septic tank?

A septic tank collects water waste from your property and uses bacterial activity to decompose the waste, before draining. These are far more common in rural or off-grid homes and while they’re a practical alternative to mains drainage, the potential maintenance issues can be off-putting, meaning you’ll have a harder job selling your house. 

Can you sell a house with a septic tank?

Yes, you can sell your house if it has a septic tank. However, it will need to meet current regulations before you put it on the market. Estate agents and solicitors will most likely raise questions during the inspection stage, and buyers will ask for a recent inspection report. If your current tank doesn’t satisfy the general binding rules, you’ll need to look into repairs or upgrades, or even replacements or a complete overhaul in removing the septic tank. 

Can you sell a house with an old septic tank?

Yes, you can sell a house with an old septic tank, but again, it needs to meet regulations. These can be complicated and they can differ on different installations, we would recommend checking which rules apply in your situation.

Selling a house with a shared septic tank

Shared septic tanks aren’t uncommon, especially for semi-detached or converted rural properties. If you’re selling a house with a shared system:

• Be clear on who is responsible for maintenance costs – this is typically split equally
• Provide any written agreements between property owners
• Ensure the system is fully compliant – you are legally obliged to disclose to the buyer if it isn’t

Selling a house with a non-compliant septic tank

Making sure that your septic tank is up to code can be both costly and timely, adding extra stress, time and money to the selling process. If you’re selling a house with a non-compliant septic tank, we’re here to help. 

We buy any house in any condition, and you could sell in as little as seven days, with contracts exchanged and money sent. We won’t need to see any house inspection documents or reports, so if you’re worried about your septic tank, get in touch.  

Do septic tanks have to be emptied before selling?

Although this isn’t a legal requirement, it’s best to empty your septic tank before selling your house – to show the buyer that it’s been done recently. As well as making the buyer more comfortable, it shows you’re dedicated to the upkeep of your home. 

Other issues when selling a house with a septic tank

Even if your septic tank is compliant, there are a few other things you’ll need to think about when you’re looking to sell. 

Local septic tank regulations

If you own a property with a septic tank, or own a property with a shared septic tank, you have responsibility (joint if shared) and will need to meet the government’s rules and regulations, and these are different for England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland,  

High cost of repairs 

Septic tank repairs can run into the thousands with full installation costs ranging from £4,200-£6,000. If issues are flagged in a buyer’s survey, they may try to renegotiate the price downwards, or they may pull out altogether. Keep any documents about repairs or maintenance to your septic tank handy, as this will help potential buyers feel more confident.

Impact on property value and buyer confidence

While a compliant septic tank shouldn’t drastically affect your property value, potential buyers will probably have enough on their plate already and may want to avoid taking on something that involves additional research and responsibility. 

How House Buyer Bureau can help

If your septic tank is causing issues in the sales process or you’ve found you need some costly repairs, get in touch with House Buyer Bureau. We buy any house in any condition, regardless of faulty or broken systems. We buy direct from you, saving you the hassle, fees and time involved in a traditional estate agent sale.

Give our friendly team a call today for a free, no-obligation chat about what we can do for you.