If you're buying a house or a flat in the UK, a home survey, or building survey, is highly recommended before you buy the property.
A home survey provides an expert account of the property’s condition, and highlights any problems in a clear and easy-to-understand way. Your home is likely to be one of the most expensive purchases you make, so you need to know as much as you can about the property before you buy it, live in it and perhaps sell it.
A mortgage valuation is not a survey and is for the lender’s purposes only. A valuation report won’t point out structural problems that you may have to pay to fix further down the line. Home surveys go into detail about the condition of a property, list its defects and tell you how to fix them. The level of detail is dependent on the type of property survey that you choose.
When you apply for a mortgage, your lender may ask for the expert advice of an RICS Valuer to help them decide whether the property you are buying is worth the money they are lending to you.
At Charles Francis & Associates Surveying, we inspect properties on behalf of a range of national lending organisations for this purpose.
A mortgage valuation is not detailed enough to inform you about the condition of the property you are purchasing. We recommend that you should always commission your own independent home survey.
A survey will help you to understand the property’s state of repair and budget for any needed repair work.
Different homes require different types of survey. The information below summarises the common survey levels for each property type. Our friendly team are happy to discuss your requirements and answer any questions to help you to choose the right survey for the home you are purchasing.
Previously called a ‘Condition Report’, this is typically the lowest-priced survey and is aimed at conventional properties and newer homes.
It will note defects in the property but will generally not provide advice on how to manage those defects.
Previously called a ‘Homebuyer Report’, is a detailed visual inspection of the property suitable for conventional properties that are in reasonable condition, built from common building materials and that do not have multiple alterations or extensions.
Previously called an ‘RICS Building Survey’, this is the most in-depth report available, providing an extensive analysis of the property’s condition. Suitable for large, older or run-down properties, buildings that are unusual or altered, or if you’re planning major works.
The below table gives an overview of what's included in each survey level. If you're not sure which survey is right for the property you are purchasing, contact us and we will be happy to help.
Charles Francis & Associates Surveying
90 Watery Lane, Preston, PR2 1AU
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