Buying a new place, whether it’s your first time or that next step up the property ladder can feel scary. So it's only common sense to check out properly what you'll get for your money.

30 Nov 2023

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Which type of survey?

Our advice would be to appoint a surveyor, and members of RICS (Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors), they will provide you with accurate, independent advice.

What are the different types of surveys?

Valuation report: a brief report intended primarily to help your mortgage lender assess whether a property is worth the price being paid for it.

Home-buyers survey: a more thorough survey, designed to provide home-buyers with fairly detailed information on their new property, at an affordable price.

Full building survey: a really comprehensive report, covering virtually every aspect of your new home’s condition in considerable detail. Suited to all property types - but especially larger and older houses. Let's take a look at each in a little more detail.

Valuation report

A valuation report is a minimum requirement when you are buying a property with a mortgage. It is used to help your lender assess whether the property is worth the price you are paying for it. More specifically, if they are happy to lend on the property.

But it's important to understand that it's only an overview - which tells you very little about the underlying condition of the building, and any potential problems you may face in the future.

It's also used for the following purposes:

Matrimonial court purposes
Probate & Inheritance planning
Shared equity sale/purchase purposes
Resale of Government ' First-time buyers' schemes
Relocation purposes

Homebuyers report

Much more detailed than a valuation report, this type of survey will help you make an informed decision on whether to buy, and whether you are paying a reasonable price. It can also give you a warning of any work that may need to be done after you move in - helping you budget for future costs.

Also known as a major defects survey, it gives you red, amber, and green traffic light ratings, to describe the overall state of the property.

You'll get details of all urgent defects and issues in need of attention, with advice for your property lawyers on anything they should address. Your home-buyer's report will also include a valuation report. We'd recommend a home-buyer's report for most types of homes built within the last 100 - 150 years, and seems to be in reasonable condition.

Covered by your home-buyer's report:

Chimney stacks, roof coverings, rainwater fittings
Main walls, external joinery
Roof spaces, roof structure
Ceilings, walls, and partitions
Floors, fireplaces
Internal joinery including kitchen
Bathroom fittings
Services, heating & hot water
Garage & outbuildings
Site & The location
Issues for your legal advisers
Valuation, Insurance reinstatement figure

Full building survey?

If the property you are planning to buy is over 150 years old, or if it's unusual, in poor condition, or has undergone major reconstruction or alteration, we would strongly advise you to consider a full building survey.
This is the most comprehensive - and therefore the most expensive - type of survey. But it's the only way to ensure that you have really thorough and detailed information on every aspect of your new home's construction and condition, as well as clear advice on future repair and maintenance requirements.

Covered by your Building survey:

Chimneys, roof spaces, roof structure, covering, valleys
Rainwater fittings
Main walls, damp proof course, subfloor ventilation
External joinery, external decoration
Ceilings, internal walls, partitions
Fireplaces, flues, chimney breasts
Floors, internal joinery and kitchen fittings
Internal decoration
Cellars/basements
Dampness, timber decay, infestation
Insulation
Services, drainage, sanitary fittings
Garage and outbuildings, grounds, boundaries, trees
Wayleaves, easements, and rights of way
Planning and environmental matters
Fire, smoke detection, security

When to book a survey?

Our advice is to book your survey soon after your offer has been accepted. Buying property, and moving house is a stressful life event, so take steps to minimise any stress.

Booking your survey early in the buying process means you can identify any potential issues or problems quickly. And get peace of mind, safe in the knowledge you know exactly what you are buying.

It’s also worth bearing in mind surveyors may not be available immediately, particularly during busy house-buying periods.

Arrange your survey as soon as possible to avoid causing delays and stress with the purchase.

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We hope this article was useful, if you would like to discuss anything regarding 'surveys', our team will be happy to help.

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Buying a new place, whether it’s your first time or that next step up the property ladder can feel scary. So it's only common sense to check out properly what you'll get for your money.

What are the different types of surveys?

Valuation report

Homebuyers report

When to book a survey?