Do I need a RICS HomeBuyers Survey?
The question we often get asked is, ‘Do I need a survey’? And every time the answer is yes.
If you’re about to move home and you’ve made an offer then now is the time to arrange a survey.
If you’re buying with a mortgage your lender will arrange a mortgage valuation. This is a valuation only and is to ensure that the property you are buying is suitable security. The only reason the lender carries out a valuation is to ensure they can recover their money should you default on the mortgage.
The only way you can be sure of the condition of the property you’re buying is to have a survey carried out and potentially save £1000’s on repairing common defects.
A RICS HomeBuyer Survey and Valuation includes a comprehensive survey of the property internally and externally, including grounds and includes a valuation and reinstatement value.
Our surveyors will check for common defects including:
• Roof and chimney dondition.
• Exterior walls including damp and structural defects – such as subsidence and wall tie failure.
• Windows and doors, garages, outbuildings and conservatories
• Blocked drains, impact of trees, Japanese Knotweed, boundary wall condition.
Internally we will check for:
• Inside the loft and roof structure
• Walls, floors and ceilings
• Identify possible asbestos containing material
• Fittings, fixtures and woodwork
• Visual inspection of gas, electric and plumbing installations
• Safety Hazards
• Rot and woodworm
We will also provide:
• Reinstatement Value
• Market Value
• Detailed photos of defects
• Peace of mind
RICS HomeBuyer Survey Case Study
In a recent case our client secured a £50,000 discount on the purchase price following a survey highlighting the likelihood of the sub floor fill containing shale. In this instance the seller had failed to have a RICS HomeBuyer survey carried out when they bought the property resulting in a significant discount due to the defective sub floor fill.
When will a RICS HomeBuyer Survey not be suitable?
On properties built recently and still with a new build warranty we would recommend a condition report which is a level 1 condition assessment internally and externally, similar to the HomeBuyer survey but not in the same level of detail.
For properties of non-standard construction, over 140 years old or those that are seriously dilapidated or have an obvious defect then we would recommend the level 3 building survey.
Why Choose Joe Fraser Chartered Surveyors?
• 5 Star Independent Reviews on Trustpilot
• We only use employed MRICS Chartered Surveyors – specialist residential property surveyors
• We are Regulated by the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS)
• Fully insured with £2m Professional Indemnity Insurance
• Friendly and Professional – Surveyors happy to answer any questions following the survey
• Excellent value from only £295.00
