Surveys

A survey determines the condition of a property and is usually commissioned by a buyer, prior to them taking ownership and becoming responsible for any maintenance costs.

While not common practice, it is not completely unheard of for the current owners to have a survey conducted before selling. This is considered in a property where serious defects are suspected and can help to minimise the risk of any nasty surprises further down the line.

Ultimately, it is the buyer’s responsibility to satisfy themselves with the overall condition of a property pre-purchase and although not a legal requirement, a survey can save a lot of time, stress and money in the long run.

A mortgage valuation is not a survey. It is an assessment by your mortgage lender to check the valuation of the property, against the loan you are taking out.

In recent years, as industry standards have altered and developed, so has the structure of surveys. Now offered in levels, the most common property surveys (in brief) are:

Level 1 - Basic Condition Survey

Level 2 - Homebuyers Survey

Level 3 - Building or Structural Survey

If you have any questions regarding surveys or  require a recommendation for a trusted, independent RICS -accredited surveyor, please don’t hesitate to ask us.

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