There is currently no obligation under the Control of Asbestos Regulations 2006. Suspected asbestos containing materials may be identified during the building or homebuyers survey.

From the vendors point of view this can result in some non-asbestos materials being identified as possibly containing asbestos and may discourage the potential purchaser.

From the purchasers point of view it would be beneficial to know of any asbestos containing materials prior to purchase as future removal, if required, could prove costly.

In any case the identification of asbestos containing materials at an early stage may prevent the sale falling through at the last minute.