Selling your property requires the mandatory passage of the sanitation diagnostic. However, this check, aimed at verifying the conformity of the sanitary installations, sometimes holds unpleasant surprises: costly works, decrease in sale price… In a few lines, we will explain the importance of this diagnostic and how to pass it successfully. Finally, we will see how real estate experts will help you navigate this step successfully.
What is the sanitation diagnostic and what is its purpose?
First of all, it is important to remember that the sanitation diagnostic is a technical examination mandatory for any real estate transaction since January 1, 2011, and it is valid for 3 years. It is a control to verify if a dwelling is correctly connected to the public network for sewage collection, or if it has an independent sanitation system such as:
- septic tank;
- sand filter;
- microstation.
The sanitation diagnostic is carried out by a technician from the Public Non-Collective Sanitation Service otherwise known under the acronym SPANC. His role is to check the existing installation and perform tightness tests. Finally, he verifies the proper flow of wastewater, then delivers a technical report to the owner.
The objective of this check is to identify any dysfunctions requiring compliance work. Of course, it is necessary to know that bringing an installation into compliance can impact the sale price of the housing.
Finally, to carry out a sale, real estate agencies specialized in real estate valuation systematically recommend this diagnostic.
Who performs the sanitation diagnostic?
As we have already emphasized, only technicians officially accredited by the SPANC are authorized and capable of performing the sanitation diagnostic. They possess the necessary skills to check independent sanitation installations.
Besides checking the tightness of installations, a sanitation diagnostic also highlights any potential olfactory nuisances and measures the ecological impact of discharges into the soil. At the end of their intervention, the owner receives a complete report on the state of his sanitation system. In case of problems, possible work recommendations may appear on the document.
On their side, real estate agencies sometimes take charge of ordering the sanitation diagnostic. Let us remember again that it is indispensable in the context of a transaction. Of course, we advise you to obtain several quotes from different officially referenced providers before making your choice.
What are the consequences of non-compliance?
First of all, you should know that an unfavorable sanitation diagnostic revealing a non-compliant installation
can unfortunately have severe consequences.
Following the control highlighting failures, the technician often recommends rehabilitation or compliance work. This standardization often proves costly for the selling owner. That’s why we advise you to take it into consideration in the valuation of the real estate being sold.
In the worst-case scenarios, a sanitation diagnostic may lead to a formal notice by the SPANC. Be aware also that an owner can be threatened with penalties if no work is undertaken.
Finally, if you are in the Île-de-France region and wish to sell a property, know that many agencies specializing in real estate listings in Paris offer to conduct preventive diagnostics before putting it on the market. Real estate advisors will thus direct you to sanitation diagnostic professionals to carry out the checks and any necessary compliance work. Finally, they will assess the impact of these works on the value of your property.
Support from real estate professionals
When considering the impact a sanitation diagnostic can have, it is recommended to seek support from real estate professionals.
Indeed, they will assist you in various aspects:
- interpreting the technical report;
- connecting you with professionals who can resolve the issue;
- estimating the costs of compliance.
Furthermore, their expertise will shed light on the impact of this diagnostic on the value of your property, aiming to complete a real estate transaction properly and with peace of mind.
In summary, the sanitation diagnostic is a mandatory control of your wastewater treatment installations if you wish to proceed with a real estate sale. By entrusting this task to qualified technicians, you will have the assurance of having accurate information. To assist you in this process, do not hesitate to contact real estate consultants who will know how to guide you and best defend your interests.
