Surveys

• There is generally no legal requirement to have a survey performed on the house you are buying.
• If you are in any doubt the solicitor acting for you on your purchase will be able to give you definitive advice on what you need.

Here are some reasons why a survey is important:
• Reveals hidden defects: Surveys can uncover problems that might not be visible to the naked eye, such as structural issues, damp, or electrical faults.
• Negotiates a better price: If a survey reveals significant defects, you may be able to negotiate a lower purchase price.
• Provides peace of mind: A survey can give you confidence in your purchase and help you avoid costly surprises later on.

There are different types of surveys available, each with its own level of detail and cost. It's essential to choose the right survey based on the property's age, condition, and your specific needs.

We recommend consulting with a qualified surveyor to discuss your options and get a tailored recommendation. They can also provide you with a quote for the survey.

We may recommend a survey if:
• You have any specific worries about any part of the property.
• You feel unsure about what sort of condition the property is in.
• You are looking to buy an old or unusual property.
• The property has a thatched roof or is timber framed.
• The building is listed.

RICS stands for Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors. It is a professional body representing surveyors and related professionals worldwide. RICS sets standards, provides training, and promotes ethical conduct within the surveying profession.

RICS surveyors are qualified professionals who offer a wide range of services, including:

• Property valuation: Assessing the value of properties for various purposes, such as buying, selling, or taxation.
• Building surveying: Inspecting and assessing the condition of buildings, including structural and maintenance issues.
• Project management: Overseeing construction and development projects.
• Rural surveying: Valuing and managing rural land and assets.
• Quantity surveying: Measuring and costing construction projects.

RICS is a respected and well-known institution in the property and construction industry, and its members are recognised for their expertise and professionalism.

• A Condition Report is the most basic survey you can get, and the cheapest.
• Costs are £300 or more. The report doesn’t go into much detail so may leave you wanting more.
• It is designed to complement the mortgage valuation and provides ‘traffic light’ indications as to the state of various parts of the property. Green means everything is ok, orange is some cause for concern, and red means serious repairs are vital.
• Also provides you with a summary of the property’s defects and possible risks affecting the home.
• It does not include any advice nor a valuation.

• A Homebuyers Report, also called a Homebuyers survey is a more detailed survey and the most popular option according to RICS.
• There are two options in this category – you can choose to have a homebuyers survey with or without a valuation. These should tell you any obvious major problems – obvious rot, subsidence, etc.  
• However the surveyor is non-intrusive: they will not look behind furniture, nor lift up floor boards or drill any holes, so any report they draw up is limited.

• Building surveys (by RICS surveyors) also called full structural surveys are more expensive, but can be a worthwhile investment:
• The price of a building survey ranges from under £600 to about £2000 depending on the size of the home.
• Building surveys or full structural surveys are extensive surveys and you will be given a detailed report at the end.
• The surveyor will get into the attic, check behind walls, and look between floors and above ceilings.
• It includes advice on repairs, and provides estimated timings and costs, and will tell you what will happen if you do not do the repairs.
• Unless specified, it probably will not include an insurance reinstatement value estimate, or a market valuation.