Damp and mould could knock more than £20,000 off Yorkshire house prices
More than a million homes across the UK are affected by damp and mould, with Yorkshire among the areas most at risk – and the problem could be knocking tens of thousands of pounds off property values.
Research from Appliances Direct estimates that around 1.28 million homes nationwide are impacted by damp and mould. According to Sam Carter, heating expert at the Leeds-headquartered firm, says this could be significantly devaluing properties, cutting their value by an average of £27,602.
With the average UK asking price standing at £368,019 in February, according to Rightmove, industry data suggests buyers typically offer five to 10 per cent less on homes with visible damp or mould issues. That equates to a potential loss of between £18,400 and £36,801 when selling.
Yorkshire homeowners could be particularly exposed. Further analysis by Appliances Direct identified Leeds and Sheffield among the UK’s damp and mould “hotspots”, based on search demand for related solutions. Applying an estimated 7.5 per cent price reduction to local average values suggests homes in Leeds could sell for £21,183 less if affected, while in Sheffield the figure is £18,942.
Across the UK, London tops the list with a potential £53,924 reduction, followed by Bristol and Edinburgh. But the inclusion of Leeds among the hardest-hit cities underlines the regional impact.
For homeowners choosing to fix problems rather than sell, the costs can quickly escalate. A mould inspection typically costs around £100, while whole-house mould removal averages £1,200. Once removed, repairing damaged plaster can cost between £400 and £600 per internal wall, or between £6,400 and £9,600 for an entire house.
Improving ventilation, such as installing or upgrading an extractor fan in a bathroom, can add £200 to £300. If structural damp prevention measures are recommended to stop rising damp, this could cost a further £2,000 for a medium-sized property.
In total, damp and mould repairs could amount to between £9,900 and £13,200 – before factoring in any reduction in property value.
Mr Carter said small preventative steps can make a significant difference. “Be careful when drying clothes indoors,” he said, warning that indoor laundry releases large amounts of moisture into the air.
“If indoor drying is unavoidable, use a well-ventilated room, open windows slightly. You could also try a dehumidifier to prevent damp from forming.”
He added that keeping homes evenly heated is key. “If you’re out during the day, don’t simply turn off your heating; keep it at a maintenance temperature of around 14°C. This will prevent moisture from settling on walls and windows. It’ll save you money in the long run too.”
Other advice includes watching for early warning signs such as condensation, musty smells, peeling paint or dark patches, particularly in bathrooms, kitchens and on external-facing walls. He also cautioned against covering up mould without addressing the root cause, as it will likely return.
A dehumidifier can help manage excess moisture, while ensuring radiators are functioning properly – including bleeding them when necessary – can help maintain consistent warmth.
Mr Carter also pointed to the German practice of “lüften”, or airing out, which involves opening windows for five to 10 minutes in winter to allow fresh, dry air to circulate.