Buying a house is a big decision and one that requires careful consideration. Before you make an offer on a property, it's important to complete a house survey. A house survey looks in detail at the condition of the property and can help inform you about any potential issues that could affect your buying decision.

When buying a property, it is important to conduct a thorough property survey before exchanging contracts. Not only does this allow you to renegotiate the price if any issues are found, but it also gives you the opportunity to back out of the purchase if major concerns such as subsidence or dry rot are identified. It is important to leave enough time for the survey to be conducted, as it can take up to two weeks to receive the report.

A house survey is usually a requirement when you take out a mortgage and is always advisable if you are buying a property. It's important to note that the cost of a house survey is not included in the price of the home and it's up to you as the buyer to pay for it. However, having an independent survey done can save you money in the long run, since it may alert you to any potential issues that could be costly to repair or rectify.

What are the different surveys available?

The RICS Condition Report is the most basic type of property survey and is suited to relatively new properties that are less than five years old. It provides information on the superficial condition of the property and highlights any potential legal issues. However, it does not give any advice on repair requirements or look at the structure of the property in detail. If you are buying a listed building, a RICS report is even more important.

The RICS HomeBuyer Report is the most popular type of property survey and provides a more detailed look at the structure of the property. It identifies any issues such as damp and subsidence and makes suggestions for necessary repairs. While the surveyor will not check behind furniture or walls, you can combine this survey with the mortgage valuation report for a more comprehensive survey at an additional cost of around £250-650.

A snagging survey is recommended for new builds or newly renovated properties. It is carried out once the work is complete and detects any ‘teething troubles’ with the property, from structural complications to minor glitches such as doors not closing properly. These issues can then be addressed with the builder or developer.

Buying a property through auction

Before making an offer on a property, you should request a legal pack from the seller’s solicitor. This includes all of the information about the property necessary for you to make an informed decision before buying. You should also request to see the results of any surveys that have been done on the property and offer an independent valuation before bidding ends. This will help you make an informed decision about whether or not you want to go ahead with the purchase.

Overall, completing a house survey is essential for anyone looking to buy a property. It provides vital information about the condition of the property and can help you make an informed decision about whether or not it is worth what you are paying for it. With this in mind, it’s always advisable to arrange a house survey as soon as possible after making an offer on a property. By doing so, you will have plenty of time to review the survey results and make any necessary changes before the exchange of contracts.

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