Homebuyer surveys are a good way to avoid unexpected repair costs further down the line. Getting a survey for a house or flat will give you an idea of how much you might need to invest in a property after you buy it.
Types of homebuyer survey
Choose a survey based on the age and condition of the property itself, not the cost of the survey.
Money spent on a decent survey can save you a fortune in the future and help you avoid expensive surprises after you have moved in.
There are a few different levels of property survey you can choose to have before you buy. If you’re buying an older house or flat, it’s a good idea to go with more than just a basic survey, as it could uncover problems you might not expect.
RICS Condition Report
The RICS Condition Report describes the condition of the property, identifies any risks and potential legal issues and highlights any urgent defects. It’s most suitable for new-build and conventional homes in good condition; no advice or valuation is provided in this survey.
A Condition Report is a very basic ‘traffic light’ survey and the cost will vary depending on the value. For a property valued between £200,000 and £300,000 the average cost is £380.
RICS HomeBuyer Report
A HomeBuyer Report is a survey usually suitable for conventional properties in reasonable condition. Costs start at £400 and increase depending on the property value.
This will help you find out if there are any structural problems, such as subsidence or damp, as well as any other hidden issues inside and outside.
The HomeBuyer Report doesn’t look beyond the floorboards or behind the walls.
Some HomeBuyer reports include a property valuation, so you might be able to revise your offer if the survey reveals a lower price than the mortgage lender’s valuation.
If there’s no valuation included, you could use the report’s suggestions for repairs to renegotiate the price.
For example, if it’s going to cost you £5,000 to carry out work on the property’s damp walls, it’s reasonable to offer £5,000 less than the asking price.
Building or full structural survey
This is the most comprehensive survey and is suitable for all residential properties. It’s particularly good for older homes or homes that might need repairs. This type of survey typically costs upwards of £600 and provides detailed advice on repairs.
It’s very extensive and in some circumstances worth the extra money but it doesn’t usually include a valuation. Although this survey can’t look under floorboards or behind walls it should include the surveyor’s opinion on the potential for hidden defects in this area.
The surveyor should also give you information on potential repair options. Again, you could try to save money by comparing the details of the repairs required against the lender’s valuation.
RICS Building Survey
The RICS Building Survey provides the same level of in-depth inspection as a building survey, but uses a simple, clear presentation style and a rating system to ensure that you can easily identify the most serious issues. This is mainly aimed at larger or older properties, or if you’re planning major works.
A detailed report provides you with a clearer picture of the property’s condition, highlighting issues, and will contain advice on defects, repairs and maintenance options. Included with the RICS Building Survey are advice sheets on how to deal with some of the more common problems that have been found at the property including an outline of repair options and the consequences of not dealing with any potential issues highlighted within the report.
It typically costs upwards of £400.
New-build snagging survey
A new-build snagging survey is an independent inspection to look for any issues with the property.
Costs typically start from £300 depending on the size of the property.
Developers should fix faults highlighted before you move in.
Learn about Avoiding costly mistakes when buying a new home
Mortgage valuation survey
Your mortgage provider will ask for a mortgage valuation to make sure that the property is worth the price you’re paying – or at least the amount you’re borrowing, before they approve your mortgage.
A valuation is just that – it won’t point out repairs or structural problems that you will have to pay to fix.
Generally, you will pay for the lender’s survey. The cost is based on the value and size of the property and is typically upwards of £250.
Sometimes lenders offer mortgages with free valuation surveys, the product details of your mortgage will tell you if this is the case.
If the property is valued below your offer price, you can either:
- go back to the seller or the estate agent, and offer a lower price based on the lender’s valuation
- dispute the valuation by providing evidence, if possible, of similar properties in the area selling for the same price or higher.
What to do if your survey uncovers problems
A surveyor’s report nearly always finds some issues, especially with older homes.
You can go with them when the survey is carried out and ask questions if you’d like to. If you can’t go with them, you’ll be able to contact the surveyor before they visit to ask them to pay attention to things you’ve noticed at the property that worry you, or ask any questions you think the report didn’t cover afterwards. They are experts and you’ve paid for their service.
This is about your future home, so don’t be afraid to speak up.
The most common things you’ll have to investigate after a survey include:
- electrical installation
- problems with the roof
- central heating system
- damp and timber issues
- complications which will need a structural engineer.
What to do next:
- find out whether any problems, such as a poor damp-proof course, are still covered by a guarantee
- ask the surveyor to give you an idea of how costly it will be to sort out any problems
- for more major works, ask a builder to give you a quote
- use these estimates to try to renegotiate the price or ask the seller to fix the issues before you complete the sale.
Remember it’s not just about cost but also the amount of upheaval that repair work will cause.
If it all seems too much, you can walk away as you’re not committed yet.
Where to find a surveyor
Make sure your surveyor is a member of a recognised governing body such as the Residential Property Surveyors Association (RPSA) or Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS).
You should be able to find a surveyor on the RPSA or RICS websites.
You can also find recommendations by:
- asking friends and family
- searching online – along with the website, you should check online ratings and reviews.
- asking the estate agent – but they might receive a commission which could increase the cost, so you don’t have to go with their suggestion
- asking your solicitor or conveyancer – but they might receive a commission which could increase the cost, so you don’t have to go with their suggestion.
Buying or selling in Scotland?
Sellers in Scotland have to arrange a Home Report to show to buyers before they can market their property.
The report might include a survey by a RICS qualified surveyor.
It can also include a mortgage valuation, which might be acceptable to your lender.
The Home Report must be prepared within 12 weeks of putting the property on the market.
Some properties, such as newly built or converted homes and those bought under Right to Buy, don’t have to have a Home Report.
But you should still consider paying for a survey which might uncover costly issues.
