If you are planning on buying a property, you may be wondering if you really need a survey. We take a look at 8 incorrect assumptions people commonly make about the survey process.
1. A survey is not necessary if a property is in good condition
You will not necessarily be able to tell from looking around whether there are any issues with a property. It may appear to be in good order, but a professional surveyor will be able to spot warning signs, including those that a seller may have attempted to cover up. Your surveyor will know particular areas to look out for in certain types or ages of property and will also be able to make recommendations for work that will need doing in the future.
2. You don’t need a survey for a new build home
When you move into a new home you will generally prepare a snagging list. This is a list of all of the issues that need to be dealt with by the builder. With a new property, problems might not become apparent until someone moves in and extensive snagging lists are common.
You can have a new build snagging survey carried out to help you identify matters that need to be dealt with. It is helpful to have this done early on while the builders are still on-site and available to come and rectify things.
3. You don’t need a survey if you’re getting a mortgage as the lender will do one
Your lender will only carry out a very basic valuation. The purpose of this is just to check that the property provides sufficient collateral for their loan and they will not look at potential problems.
4. Surveys don’t really reveal much
Surveyors can provide extensive information about a property, depending on what you commission the surveyor to do.
5. There is just one main type of survey
There are several different types of survey suited to various properties. If the home you are looking at is relatively modern, of standard construction and in good condition, an RICS level 2 home survey may be sufficient.
If the property is older, in poor condition, unusual, very large or you wish to carry out renovation work, you should consider a more detailed RICS level 3 home survey. This is a thorough inspection of the property and you will be provided with a detailed report which will include advice on condition, the risk of potential or hidden defects and an estimate of the costs and likely timescale of work that is needed.
6. If the survey reveals a problem, you will need to pull out of your sale
If a problem is revealed, it is open to you to speak to the estate agent and try to renegotiate the price to take into account the cost of repair work. It may be in the seller’s interests to try and reach an agreement with you, as any future buyer is also likely to come across the same issue when they have a survey carried out.
7. Getting a survey will delay your purchase
If you ask a surveyor to carry out a survey as soon as you have had your offer accepted, this should not delay the sale. The estate agent may pressure you, but buying a home is a major investment and you should do all you can to make sure the property is as you are expecting and that there are no nasty surprises later on.
8. If your surveyor misses something, there’s nothing you can do anyway
Your surveyor will have professional indemnity insurance and if they miss something which causes you loss or damage, you may be able to make a claim for compensation.
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