Why is a survey report important?  Because forewarned is forearmed.  Choosing the right survey will highlight any serious defects and help you consider the risks involved before you commit to the process of buying a property.

There are three types of survey with each of the report types providing you with clear and concise information.  All the report types are carried out by experienced and qualified surveyors who are members of the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors – the industry’s most respected authority on surveying.

It is important to remember that the mortgage lender’s valuation report is not a survey.  It merely tells your lender whether the property is reasonable security for your loan. However, a survey report will tell you the actual condition of the property.  This information is important because it can help you during the price negotiations and also help you avoid unexpected and expensive surprises after you have moved in.

The RICS Condition Report – choose this level of survey if the property you are buying is relatively modern and in reasonable condition.  It focuses on the condition on the different parts of the building together with an overview on the service installations, garage and outbuildings.  The report provides a summary of the risks to the condition of the building and includes other matters such as legal issues. However, this report does not include a valuation.

The RICS HomeBuyer Report – choose this survey if you need more extensive information.  It includes all the information of a Condition Report but a more extensive inspection is made.  In addition the report includes the surveyor’s professional opinion on the ‘Market Value’ of the property as well as an insurance reinstatement figure for the property.  The Homebuyer Report includes advice on repairs and maintenance and issues that you need to investigate to prevent serious damage or dangerous conditions.  Most importantly, the report identifies the legal issues that need to be addressed before completing your purchase and give you information on the locality and the local environment.

The Building Survey – formally called a structural survey, this survey is a more comprehensive report and is specifically for dealing with older and more complex property, such as buildings in excess of 100 years old or properties that have been altered or adapted in the past.  It costs more than the Homebuyer Report because it provides you with more detailed information about the structure and fabric of the building.  The Building Survey can also be tailored to your needs and include advice on areas of specific concern and outline repair options.  The Building Survey does not normally include a valuation as standard but this can provided, if required.

All our surveys are written in clear and concise terms and are easily understood.  We offer a free consultation service to assist you in making a decision on the best survey options.  We also are happy to discuss our findings with you after you receive the report.  In addition, our professionally qualified surveyors offer a friendly first class service to help you make a reasoned and informed decision on whether to go ahead with buying a property.  Please contact us for further details.