Should I buy a 6 unit apartment building with a septic system

Question

Hello all,

I am reviewing a decision if I should buy a 6 unit building with a septic system. The owner claim that he just invested 40k in a new system recently.

The price is right and the area is good.

Should I buy it or skip this one?

Hamlet

Account Closed · Answer

@Hamlet J.

If it passes inspection I would say yes. Just make sure your maintenance numbers include the cost of pumping and maintenance for the septic. It will increase your costs slightly. If the numbers still work, then it wouldn’t be a deal breaker.

William Collins · Answer

@Hamlet J.  Easy first step: call the town.  They would have all the permits and plans on record.  No permit= shady work= run away.

Second step: Call the person who did the work on the permit to understand what they did, how long it would last, and what maintenance it would require.

David Avery · Answer

I would make sure your inspection covers the condition and system on it first.

Maybe have the seller show you some documents that he did spend the $40 K  on it.

Maybe seller will give you a one year warranty on not only the septic but the whole property.

6 unit and a good buy are hard to find.!

Peter M. · Answer

@Hamlet J. If its a new system and working properly why not? There are different types of systems that have varying maintenance requirements so you have to factor that in. And you might want to consider some type of environmental inspection in case the old system contaminated the soil but with some due diligence you can make sure you're not buying a lemon. The process for treating sewage is pretty much the same from a single family septic tank all the way to a municipal treatment system, the only difference is the mechanics and size of the pumps.

Mitchlyn D. · Answer

@Hamlet J. I don’t see a problem with Septic. You need to get it inspected and do your due diligence just like anything else.

Being from the Caribbean, a large portion of our homes have a septic tank. I have never heard of any issues growing up.

Colleen F. · Answer

If it has just been repaired and the value is there go for it but do your own inspection and get the repair prints from the state. Here is another discussion on the topic that talks about pros and con. Ct might even have a required inspection on transfer MA does. Thoughts on 8 Units being on a septic system? (biggerpockets.com)

Bryan Mitchell · Answer

Don’t let the use of septic tanks scare you away. Do your due diligence and have it inspected. I have bought investment properties with septic tanks, five to be exact. I had a local septic company inspect four of them but they had to empty them first. They checked out and I haven’t had any issues. From my experience, you will know if it isn’t working well and needs maintenance as your tenants will have issues with plumbing. When this happened to me, I had it fixed within a few weeks.

Hamlet J. · Answer

Thank you. I already purchase it. It is going well so far.

Allen Wu · Answer

@Hamlet J.

I avoid septic in general. One less headache on back end. Just run a Google search... there are tons of pros and cons when investing units with septics.

Michael Noto · Answer

@Hamlet J. Get it inspected as others have mentioned but if he did that much work that means he replaced the entire system most likely.

This is a good thing and would not make me hesitate buying a property like this as long as all checks out. Check that proper permits were pulled, etc.

Should I buy a 6 unit apartment building with a septic system

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