Survey finding
Timber decay flagged in your survey
Timber decay is one of the more variable findings, wet rot, dry rot, and woodworm have different scopes and treatments. This page explains what surveyors typically mean and how to get an independent specialist view before exchange.
Last updated: 6 May 2026. Editorially reviewed: 20 May 2026.
Finding
Timber decay
What this usually means
Timber decay covers wet rot (caused by sustained moisture), dry rot (a specific fungus that can spread through timber and masonry), and insect attack (commonly woodworm). The treatment plan and the seriousness depend heavily on the type of decay, how localised it is, and whether the underlying moisture source has been fixed.
Why it matters
Active dry rot in particular can spread into other timbers if not addressed. All forms of decay can affect structural members, joinery, and floors. Lenders sometimes require a specialist report and confirmation of treatment before completion.
Ask your surveyor
- Check:Which type of decay is present (wet rot, dry rot, woodworm, or a mix), and how localised is it?
- Check:Has the underlying moisture source been identified, and is it ongoing?
Ask the seller
- Check:Has any timber treatment work been done, and do you have certificates and guarantees?
- Check:Are there any leaks, ventilation issues, or floor voids you're aware of that could relate to the decay?
Next steps
- •Consider a specialist timber and damp report from a PCA-registered firm, and ideally one that won't also be doing the remediation.
- •If treatment is needed, look for guarantees that are insurance-backed and transferable to future buyers.
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Timber decay / wet rot , often sits near timber decay on a survey and is the next thing to check.
How MyPropertyScan produces this guide, and what it is not
Published by MyPropertyScan and written by Ziad Nasr, who is accountable for its accuracy. No page here is written or reviewed by a chartered surveyor, conveyancer or regulated adviser, and we do not claim otherwise.
This page is not:
- Chartered surveying — we do not inspect properties or produce RICS Home Survey reports
- Legal advice — we do not act as conveyancers or advise on title, tenure or contracts
- Mortgage or insurance advice — we are not regulated by the FCA and give no recommendations
Figures and process steps come from the published UK datasets and standards listed on this page, not from professional practice. Pages are updated when source coverage, survey cost assumptions, or lender and legal requirements materially change. Dataset limitations are set out on the methodology page.
Spotted something out of date or wrong? Email hello@mypropertyscan.com and we will correct it and change the update date.
Sources used
We use UK public and specialist sources where they are available. Public datasets can be incomplete, delayed, or missing for some addresses. Treat them as a starting point, not as a replacement for professional advice.
Source standard: preference goes to official government datasets, statutory bodies, professional standards, and primary dataset publishers. We cite the source family on the page and explain coverage limits rather than filling gaps with unsupported estimates.
- Professional standard: RICS Home Survey StandardRICS standard for condition-based residential surveys in the UK.
- Learn more from: RICS consumer guide to surveysConsumer-facing guide to survey types and when each level is appropriate.
- Official guidance: GOV.UK buying or selling your homeGovernment overview of the home buying and selling process.