Man discovers remnants of a cannabis farm in his new home

A first-time homeowner in Sutton-in-Ashfield, Nottinghamshire, reported feeling deceived after uncovering what appears to be the remnants of a cannabis cultivation setup in his attic.

Joe Edgson, 25, found soil heaps, black mould covering the roof, and remnants of cannabis leaves soon after moving into his property. As someone with asthma, he expressed concern about the health risks posed by the mould. He has been quoted 5,000 to remove the mould and carry out associated repairs, an amount he described as difficult to manage financially.

Edgson explained that two surveysone by the seller, Bellway, and another by Countrywidedid not identify any problems in the attic prior to his purchase. Bellway stated the property was sold on the condition that it was viewed in person.

He discovered the issue after moving in October. "Initially, I wondered why there was soil in the attic," he said. "Then I noticed ropes hanging from the ceiling and mould covering the insulation and felt. As an asthmatic, this immediately raised health concerns."

Among the items Edgson found were a roof tile replaced with a black extraction tube, burn marks on the floorboards, a pH testing card, and fluorescent blue gloves. The mould, he believes, originated from the previous grow operation.

The estimated 5,000 repair work would involve removing the mouldy felt, replacing roof tiles, installing new insulation, and thoroughly cleaning the attic. "The damage is extensive; the felt is mouldy, the insulation contains soil and cannabis leaves, and the entire space needs attention," he said. "You cant just scrub the mouldits a deeply rooted problem."

Edgson described the impact on his health: "After being in the attic, my chest tightened, and I struggled to sleep. My asthma has never been affected this badly before."

Both Bellway and Countrywide conducted surveys of the property, including a Level 2 survey designed to identify visible defects affecting value or requiring repair. However, neither survey highlighted the attic issues. The Home Owners Alliance noted that surveyors can miss concealed damage, especially if access is limited, and such situations occasionally occur when previous owners attempt to hide problems.

Edgson highlighted that his contract stated the seller was responsible for clearing debris from the loft, and he believes the repair costs should be covered by Bellway or Countrywide. Bellway, however, maintains that the home was sold as seen and disputes the claims.

Countrywide added that their survey met the standards expected for a Level 2 survey and suggested Edgson could escalate the matter to the Centre for Effective Dispute Resolution if desired.

Edgson reported the discovery to Nottinghamshire Police, but as it was not an active grow, no investigation was pursued. He expressed disappointment in the lack of response from the seller and surveyors. "I trusted everyone involved when I bought this house. Now, I feel let down," he said.

Author's Commentary: Hidden Risks in Property Surveys

As the situation in Sutton-in-Ashfield illustrates, even first-time homeowners can face serious surprises despite formal surveys. Joe Edgson's discovery of a former cannabis cultivation setup in his attic underscores the limitations of Level 2 property surveys, particularly when access to certain areas is restricted.

The financial and health implications are significant. With repair costs estimated at £5,000 and asthma-related risks from extensive mould exposure, the impact extends beyond mere inconvenience. The legal and contractual responsibility for clearing loft debris remains contested, highlighting a grey area between seller obligations and surveyor liability.

This case also points to systemic issues in pre-sale inspections. While Bellway and Countrywide followed standard procedures, concealed problems such as this can go unnoticed, leaving buyers vulnerable. It raises questions about whether current survey standards adequately protect homeowners from hidden hazards.

Ultimately, Edgson’s experience serves as a cautionary example. Prospective buyers should be aware of survey limitations, the potential for hidden damage, and the importance of thorough inspections in all accessible areas. The story also reinforces the need for clear accountability from sellers and surveyors to avoid financial and health risks post-purchase.

Sources:

• Man found 'cannabis farm remains' in his new home

Author: Logan Reeves
Logan Reeves is a sports analyst and journalist. He writes match reviews, conducts athlete interviews, and produces data-driven predictions.