House Surveys
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What is a house survey for?
A survey checks the condition of the property you want to buy.
Although the bank will always do a basic valuation to make sure they could sell the property and get their money back if they had to repossess it, it isn’t an in-depth survey. Often you won’t even get a copy of the report.
Because of this, you might also want an expert to check the house and see if it needs any work doing to it, now or in the near future. Some issues, like dampness, can be hidden. Surveyors can find these problems with special tools.
You can use the survey to negotiate the price or, if the survey reveals major issues, decide not to buy the property.
Is it worth having a survey done on a house?
It isn’t mandatory, but buying a house without having a survey done is a bit like buying a car without the garage doing a safety check first.
When you have already paid a lot out, it can feel like yet another expense, but it is far better to be aware of any potential problems before you buy the house than after you move in.
Surveyors can uncover problems you didn’t see at a viewing. You might decide you don’t want the house anymore or that you don’t want to pay what you originally offered for it. You can then negotiate with the seller in order to reduce the purchase price accordingly, or you can ask them to do the work before you buy it.
Paying out for a survey could save you thousands in the long run!
What is included in a house survey?
Level 2 survey
A Level 2 survey is generally for modern, conventional properties with no obvious defects.
The focus is on assessing the general condition of the main elements of the property. This level of report includes a visual inspection. Please note, the services are not tested.
Concealed areas normally opened or used by the occupiers are inspected if it is safe to do so (typical examples include roof spaces, basements and cellars).
The report objectively describes the condition of the different elements and provides an assessment of the relative importance of the defects/problems.
Level 3 survey
Suitable for older, extended, or structurally modified properties or those of non-standard construction. This report focuses on the structure and fabric of the property as well as including:
- a detailed visual inspection of the building, its services and the grounds. This is more extensive than the RICS Home Survey – Level 2
- concealed areas normally opened or used by the occupiers are inspected if it is safe to do so (typical examples include roof spaces, basements and cellars)
- although the services are not tested, they are observed in normal operation – in other words, they are switched on or off and/or operated where the occupier has given permission and it is safe to do so
The report describes the form of construction and materials used for different parts of the property. It also describes the condition and provides an assessment of the relative importance of the defects/problems. Additionally, it should:
- describe the identifiable risk of potential or hidden defects in areas not inspected
- propose the most probable cause(s) of the defects based on the inspection
- make general recommendations and likely timescale for necessary work
The surveyor may also be able to provide an estimate of costs for identified repairs.
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What does a house survey cost?
The price is usually dependent on both the value of the property and the level of survey you want doing.
Surveys that go into more detail will typically cost more.
Just like with conveyancing, there isn’t a fixed price for surveys that applies to every company; in other words, each firm can set their own rates.
We work closely with The Moving Portal, and can get you a competitive quote for your chosen survey. Feel free to contact us, and we’ll let you know what details we need.
When should a survey be done?
Anytime between your offer being accepted and exchange of contracts.
Ideally you should get it done relatively early. This then gives you time to decide if you still want to go ahead with the purchase or if you want to renegotiate the price.
Surveyors also may not be available straight away; you might have to wait a few weeks, so don’t leave it until the last minute!
Remember, any money you spend on legal searches is usually non-refundable once the searches have been ordered. If you have your survey done afterwards, and decide to pull out of the purchase, you probably wouldn’t get that money back.
The same may also be true for mortgage lender valuation or application fees, and broker fees.
How do I find a surveyor?
We can recommend one!
You can also find a surveyor here.
You should choose a surveyor who is RICS registered. RICS is the Royal Institute of Chartered Surveyors. It is a professional body that sets and enforces appropriate standards.
Choosing a RICS surveyor can provide you with the reassurance that their impartial and transparent expertise will provide you with a clear assessment of the property’s condition.
RICS provides training to all its members to ensure their expertise and knowledge is kept up to date and relevant.
