Homeowners have been told to act fast this spring as rats could end up costing them tens of thousands of pounds, according to Saddat Abid, CEO of PropertySaviour.co.uk.
Abid said infestations can knock up to 20% off a property’s value, which works out to £53,663 on the average UK home, based on Land Registry data showing an average value of £268,319.
Abid recently dealt with a rat-infested property and urged homeowners to take the risk seriously before it causes major financial damage.
The immediate cost of getting rid of rats is usually between £120 and £240, with an average of about £180 for a professional job.
Abid said the real issue is the long-term stigma, with sellers legally required to declare any infestation history.
This can put off buyers or lead to heavy price reductions. Insurers usually do not cover damage from rodents, so homeowners are left paying for repairs to electrics, plumbing, insulation and even structural timbers.
Some mortgage lenders may also refuse loans on homes with a known history of infestation.
Abid said: “Rats aren’t just revolting—they’re absolute home-wreckers. I recently bought a property where rats had chewed through electrical wiring.
“The previous owner had already spent thousands on electricians before realising what was causing the problem.”
Abid advised people to check for holes or gaps, as rats can squeeze through spaces as small as a 10p coin, and to use steel wool and sealant to block them.
He said garages and sheds should be decluttered, food waste and bins kept tidy, and overgrown bushes trimmed back.
Abid also noted that natural remedies like garlic, lemon peels or ultrasonic devices do not work when rats are determined.
He also advised sellers to keep evidence of the problem and any action taken, obtain pest control reports, and show buyers what steps have been taken to prevent re-infestation.
Abid said: “Sometimes the smartest move is cutting your losses and selling to someone who can take on these projects, rather than throwing good money after bad.”
