High Moisture levels in a Victorian property

unless their are signs of dampness its not really an issue, the materials used in the construction of this age of building where designed to hold the water in the structure of the building without causing issues, thenrallow it to escape externally when dry out side allowing the house to breathe,its only if modern building materials have been used for repairs it will create dampness issues internally as modern building materials are sealers stopping the house breathing. Alex

If it was a mortgage survey completed I would always advise having a private survey completed also. The mortgage surveyor is only concerned with the overall value of the property not the issues damp can cause to you living in the house. A private surveyor may advise action is taken, the cost of which, with the help of your solicitor may able to be recovered from the seller.

Mortgage surveyors only take a few readings and then usually only to the surface of the wall. The minute it bleeps they request a specialist timber and damp surveyor inspects. A qualified specialist damp and timber surveyor will look for all types of dampness, rising, lateral, condensation, penetrating, plumbing leaks and will advise accordingly. These are rarely free as they are quite time consuming. ( unless they just want to inject a dpc to stop rising damp and walk away then its free) Ask your mortgage surveyor who he recommends or do your homework online to find a reputable surveyor.