WHAT IS A HOME CONDITION SURVEY?

A Home Condition Survey is an optional report that can be commissioned by the buyer before confirming a purchase of a property. It is a snapshot of the properties condition on the day of the report. It is basically a non invasive structural survey, it can also include a valuation and if it does, it is regulated by RICS, Royal Institute of Chartered Surveyors. If it is carried out without a valuation it is regulated jointly by BRE & RPSA, Building Research Establishment and Residential Property Surveyors Association.

WHY SHOULD I PAY FOR ONE?

If you want to be sure your intended purchase is sound and free from major, expensive faults and confirmation of its value, then it would be prudent to get one done. It will inform you as a buyer if there are any repairs needed, (Repairs as in the above photo are not always obvious) that will either delay a potential purchase or may allow you as the buyer  to negotiate a lower price. It also stops potential buyers from going through with a sale only to find costly problems after they have moved in.  It can cost as little as £200 for a studio apartment. A three bedroom semi would be around £280. A small price to pay for peace of mind.

If you are taking out a mortgage to buy your property, just be warned that the "survey" you pay for to the lender is normally only a valuation survey and does not report on the condition of the property, except to confirm that it isn't falling down!

We recently were asked to carry out a survey on a 1 bedroom ground floor 50's built flat. The client was concerned about crumbling concrete window cills. When we carried out the survey we actually found rising damp to every room including all internal dividing walls. The problem was a lack of damp proofing to the original concrete floor with a bill to put right somewhere in the £5000 - £10000 price range. She was very glad she invested in a survey. Don't make the mistake of not having one!

CLICK HERE to request a quote or for us to call you and discuss your potential purchase.