Hi, I’m from Melbourne and recently purchased

long time lurker and recently purchased so decided to make an account to seek some advice on my situation.

I’m currently living in Melbourne.

 

Welcome

Feel free to share more details if you'd like some tips

 

I recently purchased a ground floor apartment in a 70s boutique block and when I moved in I noticed a musty smell that wouldn’t go away no matter how much I ventilated the place. I looked behind the skirting and cabinets and found rotting wood, black mould and hopefully the source of the smell which seems strongest in this area.

I am living alone in Melbourne with all of my family and friends back in Perth so I don’t have anyone to help me with this. What’s the best course of action to take? I spoke to a damp expert over the phone and he doesn’t believe it’s rising damp or else I’d see water stains travelling up the wall but instead believes it’s leaking plumbing behind the walls.

I spoke to my Mum and she said I should email the agent and inform them of the issues but I don’t see the point in that because I signed the contract unconditionally. Do you think the agent will be of any assistance?

 

Thanks. I purchased a ground floor 2 bedroom unit in a 70s boutique block in an inner suburb. I moved in this week and have been struggling with a musty odour coming from the kitchen and discovered black mould and rotting skirting boards.

I paid cash for this property and didn’t put any conditions on the contract. I’ve been struggling to sleep due to worry about what I bought.

 

Well its done, and it does not sounds like a structural issue? So no need to dwell on it emotionally more than you need to, I'd suggest get to action and just get some professional quotes on dealing with it any you can sleep better at night

 

I called a damp expert and spoke over the phone he said the cause sounds like leaky plumbing behind the wall or condensation from the previous tenants causing mould growth.

 

Did you do a building inspection, or do a final pre-settlement inspection?

 

No building inspection. And I did a pre-settlement inspection and asked the agent about any water damage because I could smell something and she said there’s none she’s aware of. I ran it by a friend and they thought the smell was incense from the current tenant so I went ahead with final settlement without investigation. My friend used to own a successful real estate business so I thought I could trust his opinion when he assured me there’s nothing to worry about.

 

Thanks for that suggestion, I’ll call them Monday and let them know the issue. I guess I’m going to have to pay for the initial investigation to make sure it is coming from the building plumbing and not just a case of previous tenants cooking with the windows shut?

I am worried though if I bring it up to body Corp it’ll be on the records permanently and effect it’s value?

 

Don’t think I’ll be bringing him to any more auctions either.

 

I will call them Monday. They need to organise a bulk refuse pick up so I can get rid of all the discarded furniture and pot plants dumped at the back also so just as well I give them a call.

 

Next time, don't be tight and pay for a professional opinion.

 

No building inspection. Auction.

what sort if successful real estate business does your friend own?

at least you have an offset against the mortgage, right?

 

Did your building inspection report or the strata report highlight any issues?

 

why did you settle when there was all that stuff in the back?

 

It used to be successful

 

To be fair, your friend isn’t a building inspector so there should be no expectation that he would know. It’s a bit like expecting a car sales person to understand how to install an engine...