Is Radon a Deal Breaker? The Truth About Radon in Real Estate Transactions

Jonathan Gogan
2 days ago
4 min read

Radon testing during a real estate transaction helps buyers determine whether a home has elevated radon levels and whether mitigation may be required. High radon levels are not usually a deal breaker, because most homes can be fixed with a standard radon mitigation system. Instead of walking away, buyers typically use the results to negotiate repairs, request a credit, or plan for mitigation after closing.

When buying or selling a home in Canada—especially in provinces like New Brunswick, where radon levels can be higher than the national average—radon testing often becomes part of the conversation. Many buyers hear the word radon for the first time during a real estate transaction, and it can raise understandable concerns: Is this home safe? Will radon affect the sale? Is high radon a deal breaker?

This guide breaks down exactly what you need to know about radon testing during a real estate transaction, how it works, and how both buyers and sellers should navigate the results.

All the information to testing for Radon in a Real Estate Transaction InfoGraphic (click here)

What Is Radon and Why Does It Matter in New Brunswick?

Radon is a naturally occurring radioactive gas released from the breakdown of uranium in soil, rock, and groundwater. It is colourless, odourless, and tasteless—meaning the only way to know if it’s present in your home is through testing.

In Canada, Health Canada recommends mitigation if radon levels exceed 200 becquerels per cubic metre (200 Bq/m³).

New Brunswick is considered a higher-risk province, with certain regions— including Saint John, Fredericton, and Moncton—showing elevated levels in Health Canada surveys. This means radon frequently becomes a topic during inspections and negotiations.

Should You Test for Radon When Buying a Home?

Yes. More buyers are requesting radon testing as part of their due diligence, especially in areas known for higher levels.

Testing is recommended when:

You’re buying in a region of NB with a history of elevated radon
The home has a finished basement or sleeping areas below grade
The home has never been tested before
You want peace of mind about long-term health and safety

Radon exposure is linked to lung cancer, and long-term exposure is the key concern—especially for families planning to stay in the home for years.

How Is Radon Testing Done During a Real Estate Transaction?

There are two main approaches:

1. Short-Term Screening Test (Real Estate-Friendly)

A 2–7 day screening test can give buyers a snapshot of radon levels. This is useful for time-sensitive real estate timelines, but it’s not considered a definitive result.

A short-term test can:

highlight whether radon might be an issue
support conditional negotiations
guide next steps

2. Long-Term Test (The Gold Standard)

Health Canada recommends a 91-day to 12-month test for accurate results.

Because this is impractical during a real estate transaction, many buyers:

request a long-term test after closing, or
negotiate with sellers to perform one in advance

Is High Radon a Deal Breaker?

In most cases—no.

High radon rarely kills a sale because:

A radon mitigation system is highly effective
Most homes can be reduced to below 100 Bq/m³ after mitigation
The cost in New Brunswick is typically $1,500 to $3,000, depending on the home
Homeowners can still get normal insurance, mortgages, and resale value after mitigation

Buyers generally treat radon as a repair or improvement item, similar to a roof issue, electrical update, or plumbing upgrade.

How Buyers Can Handle Radon Results

If a screening test or past results show high radon, buyers usually:

✔ Request the seller install a mitigation system

This is common and straightforward.

✔ Negotiate the purchase price

A price reduction to cover mitigation is a typical solution.

✔ Add a holdback

Funds are set aside by lawyers to cover mitigation after closing.

✔ Proceed with the sale and mitigate later

Some buyers prefer to install their own system after moving in.

Radon is fixable, so buyers rarely walk away solely because of elevated levels.

How Sellers Can Prepare

If you’re selling your home in New Brunswick, you can make the process smoother by:

Testing for radon before listing
Providing results to buyers
Staying open to mitigation discussions
Understanding that radon is a safety issue, not a home defect

Sellers who proactively test and disclose often see increased buyer confidence.

Why Radon Testing Matters in the East Coast Real Estate Market

In New Brunswick—where many communities sit in radon-prone areas—testing is becoming as routine as checking for moisture or inspecting a furnace. Buyers want reassurance, and sellers are increasingly aware that radon concerns don’t need to derail a transaction.

With proper testing and mitigation, radon becomes a solvable issue, not a deal-breaking one.

Should Radon Stop You From Buying a Home?

In most cases: no.

High radon levels simply mean the home needs mitigation—not that it’s unsafe to buy. A properly mitigated home is often safer than a home that has never been tested.

Radon only becomes a “deal breaker” when:

The seller refuses reasonable remediation
There is no way to physically mitigate (extremely rare)
The buyer is uncomfortable continuing

But in typical New Brunswick homes, mitigation is easy, effective, and affordable.

Final Thoughts: Radon Testing Is Smart, Not Scary

Radon should be part of your inspection conversation—but it shouldn’t scare you away from a home. Testing gives you the information you need to make informed decisions, negotiate fairly, and plan for long-term safety.

Whether you’re a buyer, seller, or homeowner, radon testing is one of the simplest ways to ensure a healthy living environment.