Why do I need a survey?

Surveys are designed to give you the information you need to make an
informed and sensible offer for your future property. Before you decide to go ahead and commit yourself legally to the purchase of a property, you can minimise the risks by asking a Chartered Surveyor to answer these questions for you:

Is the agreed price reasonable?

• Are there drawbacks I don’t know about?
• If so, what do I need to do about them?

Commissioning your own survey is the simple, economical way to avoid unpleasant, and perhaps costly, surprises after moving in. In
some cases, the surveyor’s report may enable you to renegotiate the price.

What does it cost?

Our charges are very competitive. Just phone, email or write and we will supply you with a quote without any obligation. This will be confirmed to you in writing before proceeding as will the extent of the inspection.

What choice of survey do I have?

We offer two main types of report specifically designed to help homebuyers - the ‘Homebuyer Survey’ and the ‘Building Survey’. Both inspections will look at all reasonably accessible parts of the property, internally and externally (from ground level or publicly accessible areas). Roof spaces will be entered where safe and practicable. An overall impression of services will be given, but they will not be tested unless specifically requested. The surveyor’s opinion of the current open market value will normally be included.

The surveyor’s main objectives in providing these reports will be to assist the prospective purchaser to:

• Make a reasoned and informed judgement on whether or not to proceed with the purchase.
• Assess whether or not the property is a reasonable purchase at the agreed price.
• Be clear about what decisions and actions should be taken before contracts are exchanged

The surveyor also gives his or her professional opinion on the particular features of the property which affect its present value and may affect its future resale.

I already have a mortgage valuation

If you are seeking a mortgage you are likely to have to pay for a Mortgage Valuation report. This is a report is prepared for the lender, (usually by their in house surveyor) - NOT for you, the borrower. It answers only the lender’s questions to determine if the property is adequate security for the loan. Little will be said about the condition of the property. You cannot rely on it to answer the questions which concern your personal interests.

It is advisable and prudent to arrange a survey by your own, independent surveyor. The Consumers' Association Which? Magazine, and the Council of Mortgage Lenders both give this advice.