Why a Home Survey Matters When Buying a Property

WHEN YOU ARE BUYING A PROPERTY, GETTING A HOME SURVEY IS AN IMPORTANT STEP

Although a property survey is not mandatory, we highly recommend it, as it could save you money in the long term. This guide will help you understand the essentials of home surveys, enabling you to make informed decisions during your property purchase.

WHAT IS A HOME SURVEY?

A home survey is a professional, independent inspection of a property carried out by a qualified surveyor. It gives you a thorough, honest assessment of the property's condition at the time of inspection - so you have a clear picture of exactly what you are buying before any contracts are signed.

Depending on the level of survey you choose, a report will typically cover:

The overall condition of the property

Any urgent or serious defects requiring attention

Areas that warrant further investigation

Potentially dangerous issues

Defects that could affect the property's value or your decision to proceed

Think of it as your safeguard - something that helps you understand exactly what you are committing to and protects you from costly surprises further down the line.

A HOME SURVEY IS NOT THE SAME AS A MORTGAGE VALUATION

This is one of the most common misconceptions buyers encounter, especially if you are purchasing for the first time. A mortgage valuation is carried out for the benefit of your lender, confirming that the property is worth the amount being borrowed. It will not flag issues with the roof, the condition of the electrics, or whether there is damp hidden behind the walls.

A Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS) Home Survey, by contrast, is carried out entirely for you. It is a thorough, independent assessment designed to give you the full picture before you decide to buy a property.

WHICH TYPE OF HOME SURVEY IS RIGHT FOR YOUR PROPERTY?

Surveys are important, so you need to pick the one that suits your circumstances most. There are two main types of home survey to choose from:

Home Survey Level 2 is suited to properties that are in a reasonable condition and of conventional construction. It covers the key elements of the property and highlights any significant issues, without going into the same depth as a Level 3.

Home Survey Level 3 is the most comprehensive option available. It is particularly recommended for larger properties, those with unusual construction, or homes that may have undergone significant renovations. A Level 3 survey also includes:

A detailed analysis of the property's construction and materials, including future performance predictions

Identification of both visible defects and potential hidden problems

Repair options with timelines and the consequences of leaving issues unaddressed

Specific commentary on energy efficiency

If you are unsure which survey level is right for your property, speaking to a local expert is always a sensible place to start. You can get tailored advice by speaking to a Connells Survey and Valuation expert here.

WHEN SHOULD YOU BOOK A HOME SURVEY?

Timing matters more than you might think. The recommended approach is to book your survey after your mortgage valuation has been completed, but before you exchange contracts. This gives you enough time to review the findings carefully, raise any questions, and renegotiate, if necessary, with the seller or factor any repair costs into your overall budget.

Once instructed, most surveys are returned within a few days, though in some cases it can take up to five to ten working days. Building that time into your purchase timeline avoids unnecessary pressure later in the process.

BUYING IN SCOTLAND? HERE IS WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW

If you are buying a property in Scotland, the process works differently. Rather than commissioning a survey yourself, it is the seller who is required to provide a Home Report to any prospective buyer. Prepared by an independent RICS member, a Home Report consists of three parts:

A single survey

An energy report

A property questionnaire

This report forms part of the standard buying process in Scotland, though it is still worth reviewing it carefully and seeking professional advice if anything raises a concern.

HOW MUCH DOES A HOME SURVEY COST?

Survey costs vary depending on a number of factors, including the size, age, and complexity of the property, as well as its purchase price. Rather than relying on a generic estimate, the most accurate way to understand the likely cost is to arrange a survey for the specific property you are buying.

KEY TAKEAWAYS

If you are buying a property, getting a home survey is a great choice. It provides you with a better understanding of the property you are buying and may even help you renegotiate some aspects with the seller. If you need a survey and want to find out more, discover what surveys you can choose from and talk to us today.

EXPLORE SURVEY OPTIONS

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