Now that you’ve found your dream home, it’s time to ask yourself some important questions before taking it off the market: what condition is it in? Is the asking price reasonable? And (most importantly) do I need a survey when buying a house?
If you’ve recently put in an offer on a property then don’t let delays, defects or damages get in the way of securing your forever home. Click here to arrange your home survey with us or read on to find out more about this important step in the homebuying process.
Do I need a survey when buying a house?
You may think that a homebuyer’s survey is reserved for buildings that are visibly in poor condition, but these surveys are done on houses of all ages and conditions to make sure that buyers like you get the most out of their investments.
We strongly advise having a homebuyer survey done when purchasing any home, but especially if:
- The condition of the property is unclear.
- The property is old or listed.
- The property has been extensively altered or renovated.
- You have identified unusual or unique features throughout the property.
- You believe there is a problem that requires urgent attention.
- You have doubts about any part of the property, or the condition of the building as a whole.
Our chartered surveyors ensure that no issue is overlooked when inspecting a property, including hidden or unusual ones that a surface-level inspection may have missed. From structural issues and roofing defects, to snagging problems or dampness; if there is a problem present, then our surveyors will identify it.
These findings will then be presented to you in a report containing a ‘traffic light’ rating which clearly shows which problems are present and how severe they are. Depending upon the level of RICS survey that you opt for, our detailed reports will also advise you on which defects require further investigation and what repairs are needed to get the property ready for you and your family to move in.
When should I have a homebuyers survey done?
When it comes to arranging such an important survey, the sooner really is the better. The survey should be done after the seller has accepted your offer on the property but before you finalise your purchase of the home, as you will want to view the findings of the report before making your final decision.
Having a survey done during this stage of the purchasing process will give you the information that you need to proceed with confidence, whether this means:
- Finalising the sale if the survey uncovers minimal or no issues and the property itself is in good condition.
- Renegotiating the terms if issues are uncovered that impact the property’s overall value. For example, if a survey has revealed that the property requires structural alterations then you can use the findings to request that the seller addresses the issue before you move forward.
- Negotiating a lower asking price that takes into account the cost of repairs and/ or future maintenance.
- Or walking away from a property that is revealed to be in a much worse condition than you initially thought.
Whichever route you choose, a homebuyers survey is an invaluable negotiating tool that helps you avoid unexpected expenses, issues, and complications in the future.
What survey do I need when buying a house?
Now that we’ve answered ‘do I need a survey when buying a house’, let’s look at which type of survey will best suit your needs.
No matter which level you go for, all RICS home surveys will:
- Assess the condition of the property.
- Uncover any significant issues.
- And provide you with details of any problems that require urgent attention.
But there are still some key differences between the various types of surveys, which you should consider when arranging yours.
Level 1 RICS Survey
A Level 1 RICS survey is best suited for newer properties (not necessarily new-builds, but certainly those under 50 years old) that are in good or reasonable condition.
This survey focuses upon the visible and accessible areas of a property such as walls and ceilings, although it does also cover the roof and any outbuildings, and rates any significant issues with a ‘traffic light’ system.
Level 2 RICS Survey
The Level 2 homebuyers survey covers all the areas included in a Level 1 survey but the report is slightly more detailed, including:
- Recommendations for further investigations.
- Defects that may affect the property’s value.
- Cost estimates for repairs or alterations.
- Future maintenance, including costs.
Level 3 RICS Survey
This final survey is the most comprehensive of the three, and is the best option for you if you are buying an older property (over 50 years old) that is in a poor or unknown condition with visible issues throughout. This is also the survey to go for if you are planning to renovate or structurally alter the property and want an in-depth inspection before beginning your project.
A Level 3 survey delivers a comprehensive structural report that:
- Clearly describes all uncovered defects, including those that were hidden.
- Details the potential consequences of these issues.
- Outlines repair options.
- And provides advice on the cost and timescale of these repairs.
Book your home survey today
If you’re still wondering whether you need a survey when buying a house then our team will be able to clear up any confusion and recommend the right homebuyer survey for you.
Fill in our contact form today and let’s get started on giving you all the clarity and confidence you need to secure your new home.