Dry out and seal an exterior wall

[oista]

Hi all.
I live in a basement flat. The exterior front wall of the flat by the stairs leading down to the flat entrance is in bad need of sealing and repainting (see pic) as dampness from rain is coming through the walls - probably also coming through the steps which are unsealed.
I would like to scrape down the wall and then seal the wall (and steps) and then paint. Someone has recommended Aquaseal Exterior Water Seal to coat the wall and stairs, and then paint (the wall and stairs).
Does this seem like the right product for the job?
Is there any way that I can try to dry out the wall before proceeding with the sealing?
Hopefully this will link to the pic: //www.diynot.com/network/oista/albums/15269
Many thanks in advance!

 

[Pigeon85]

Best Thing to do would be to wait until the summer for the better weather then scrap back then use a stabilising solution on it first the use a breathable masonry paint such as sandtex which will allow any moisture to escape