Radon and Real Estate — What Buyers and Sellers Need to Know
Radon is increasingly on the radar in Canadian real estate transactions. Elevated radon levels are a legitimate home condition — and one that's fixable. Whether you're buying, selling, or a realtor advising clients, here's what you need to know.
For Home Buyers
Should I request a radon test before buying?
Yes — strongly recommended. Radon cannot be predicted from a home inspection or detected by any means other than testing. Radon levels depend on local geology, foundation type, construction details, and lifestyle factors. The only way to know is to test.
If the seller has existing radon test results, ask for them. If not, request a short-term test as part of due diligence, or negotiate with the seller to have one completed.
What if the test shows elevated radon?
Elevated radon is a solvable problem — not a reason to walk away. An active sub-slab depressurization system typically reduces levels by 80–99% and costs $1,500–$3,000 for professional installation, or less if you install it yourself. Options include:
- Requesting the seller mitigate before closing
- Negotiating a price reduction to cover mitigation costs
- Proceeding with the purchase and mitigating after closing
Which radon test is right for a real estate transaction?
Due diligence timelines are often tight, so a digital monitor that gives results in 24–48 hours is common for initial screening. If possible, a 7-day test provides a more reliable baseline. For the most defensible result, a 90-day long-term test is the gold standard — but rarely feasible during a purchase timeline.
- Fastest result (1 hour): RadonEye RD200 — $229.99
- Good balance of speed and reliability: Corentium Home — $179.99
- Long-term/definitive test: Radtrak³ Alpha Track Kit — $59.95
For Home Sellers
Should I test before listing?
Yes. Testing before listing gives you time to address the issue on your own terms. If levels are elevated, you can install a mitigation system before buyers see the property — removing radon as an objection and potentially protecting your sale price. A completed mitigation system with a low post-mitigation test result is a selling point, not a liability.
What if I already have a mitigation system?
Disclose it, document it, and provide the post-mitigation test results. A functioning mitigation system — especially one from a recognized brand like RadonAway — demonstrates responsible ownership. Buyers will appreciate the transparency.
Verify the system is still operating correctly by checking the manometer before listing.
Do I have a legal obligation to disclose radon?
Disclosure requirements vary by province. Consult a real estate lawyer or agent in your area. As a general principle, sellers are expected to disclose known material defects — and a known elevated radon level likely qualifies in most jurisdictions.
For Realtors
Radon literacy is a professional advantage. Agents who can confidently explain radon risk, testing options, and mitigation to clients — and recommend appropriate resources — build trust and avoid surprises that derail deals.
Key facts to know:
- Radon is the #1 environmental cause of lung cancer in Canadian non-smokers
- Health Canada's action level is 200 Bq/m³
- Testing is simple and inexpensive (from $59.95)
- Mitigation is effective, permanent, and reasonable in cost
- A mitigated home is a safer, more marketable home
Contact us if you'd like to discuss bulk test kit pricing for your clients or brokerage.
