What buyers and surveyors do
A surveyor will usually note an old cement sheet roof, and a mortgage valuer may mention it. Most of the time the effect is a request for a price reduction or a quote, not a refusal. A cracked or crumbling roof is more likely to cause a problem than a sound one.
Insurance and lenders
Insurers generally accept sound asbestos cement roofs but may ask questions about condition. Some lenders will want evidence of the plan if the roof is damaged. Check your own policy and tell your insurer if you plan any work.
Replace before or sell as is?
Replacing before you list removes the issue, gives you a certificate and often a modest return on the cost. Selling as is means a reduction or a retention. A price from a contractor on hand helps to negotiate either way.
If you are close to completion, ask whether the buyer would accept a price adjustment rather than delay.
Paperwork to keep
Keep the sample certificate if you had one, the quote, and after any work the waste consignment note and a written confirmation of what was done. Hand them to your solicitor for the buyer.
Quick answers
Do I have to tell a buyer about asbestos?
Yes if you know. Answer the property information questions honestly and ask your solicitor how to word it.
Will an asbestos garage roof affect the price?
Often by roughly the cost of replacement, sometimes less. A sound roof matters less than a damaged one.
Can I sell with a quote instead of doing the work?
Often yes. A written quote reassures buyers and allows a fair price adjustment.