Getting a house survey

Are you buying a property? An independent property survey will give you a clear picture of its condition.

You’ve found a property you love but you need to know that it is in good condition before you commit to a purchase. Without a survey you may not be aware of costly work that needs to be done. A home survey will help you to avoid any nasty surprises in the future.

We recommend using a surveyor who is accredited by the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS). During a RICS Home Survey your surveyor will conduct an in-depth visual inspection of the property and produce an expert report on the property’s condition. In this report they’ll highlight any problems using a clear traffic light system.

The top five things a surveyor will look for when completing a house survey:

  • Are there any problems with utilities?
  • Is there any damp?
  • Is there cracking?
  • Are the roofs ok?
  • Are there any timber defects?

You shouldn’t confuse a house survey with the mortgage valuation that you will have to pay for in order to secure a mortgage. A mortgage valuation merely confirms that the property is worth what you are being lent and will not give details on the condition of the property.

Types of property survey

Different homes require different property surveys. RICS offer three main types:

1. Condition Report

  • For conventional properties and newer homes.
  • A clear and concise snapshot of the condition of the property.
  • Outlines the key risks associated with the purchase.
  • Rates different elements of the property using a traffic light system.
  • Includes guidance to legal advisors.
  • The most affordable of the three surveys.

Find out more

2. Homebuyer Survey

  • For properties built within the last 100 years, and some older properties.
  • Outlines the key risks associated with the purchase.
  • Rates different elements of the property using a traffic light system.
  • Includes guidance to legal advisors.
  • Includes a market valuation and insurance rebuild costs.
  • Advises on defects that may affect the value of the property.
  • Advises on repairs and ongoing maintenance.

Find out more

3. Building Survey

  • For period or larger properties, or if you’re planning major works.
  • Provides an in-depth analysis of the property’s condition.
  • A comprehensive inspection and report.
  • Includes guidance to legal advisors.
  • Includes a market valuation and insurance rebuild costs.
  • Advises on defects that may affect the value of the property.
  • Advises on repairs and ongoing maintenance.
  • Can be tailored to suit your specific need.
  • The most expensive of the three surveys.

Find out more

And in Scotland...

Home Reports

In Scotland, the vendor is required to produce a Home Report when they bring their property to the market. A Home Report is a pack of three documents:

  • A Single Survey which gives all the information about the condition and value of a property.
  • An Energy Report which rates the energy efficiency of a property, and provides information on its impact to the environment.
  • A Property Questionnaire which brings together information that is useful to potential homebuyers, solicitors and surveyors

We recommend our sister company esurv to help you with your house survey. Esurv are accredited by RICS and are the largest provider of property surveys in the country. This puts them in the perfect position to help you buy your home.

Find out more about esurv home reports in Scotland

YOUR PROPERTY MAY BE REPOSSESSED IF YOU DO NOT KEEP UP REPAYMENTS ON YOUR MORTGAGE.

Embrace Financial Services usually charges a fee for mortgage advice. The amount of the fee will depend upon your circumstances and will be discussed and agreed with you at the earliest opportunity.

Your Move may receive a referral fee from Embrace Financial Services for recommending their services. You are not under any obligation to use their services. Embrace Financial Services is an associated company of Your Move.