If you’re doing your research before you buy a house, the question of surveys has probably come up. Surveys check the quality of the building itself, giving you – and your mortgage lender! – peace of mind.

We answer some of the frequently asked questions about house surveys:

1.     Are house surveys a legal requirement?

No. Under UK law, you are allowed to buy a house that has not been surveyed. 

2.     Why should buyers have their properties surveyed? 

Many mortgage lenders will insist that you have the property surveyed, on top of their initial mortgage valuation. This is because, if you default on payments, the lender will repossess the property. Lenders do not want to get stuck with a property that is not structurally sound, or is worth less than the amount they have invested in it. 

A house survey will also give you peace of mind. Buying a house or a flat is probably the biggest investment you will ever make, and you don’t want to throw it away on property that is in poor condition. 

Before you buy a property, it’s also good to understand the extent of repairs it will need so you can decide whether the price is reasonable. A survey may also give you flexibility about your offer. For example, if a survey reveals that the property needs £10,000 spending on a new roof, you could ask that the purchase price be lowered by that amount to cover the cost. 

3.     What do house surveys look for? 

The amount of information a surveyor will gather depends on the property, how old it is and what kind of survey you have. 

In general, house surveys look at the structure of the building. The surveyor will look for subsidence, damp, instability and leaks. Your survey might also give details of building materials, glazing and roofing, which might help you when you’re taking out home insurance. 

4.     What types of house survey are available?

House surveys in the UK are offered by the RICS (the Royal Institute of Chartered Surveyors) or RPSA (the Residential Property Surveyors Association). Both RICS and RPSA offer a range of surveys. As you’d expect, the most basic surveys come with a smaller price tag than the more detailed one. However, you get what you pay for. If you suspect your property might have problems, it’s well worth investing in a more thorough survey to give yourself peace of mind. 

Since March 2021, RICS has offered Home Surveys at three levels. RPSA offer two different types of survey. 

RICS Level 1 is the most basic survey. It is suitable if you’re buying a conventional property built from standard building materials and in reasonable condition. This survey includes a traffic light rating to help you understand the condition of the building, services and grounds. However, it doesn’t include much detail, and won’t provide advice on how to fix problems and how much they will cost. 

RICS Level 2 is a popular choice for most people buying a conventional property in reasonable condition. In addition to the checks carried out for Level 1, Level 2 includes roof spaces and cellars. This survey will also advise you on repair budgets and whether ongoing maintenance will be required in future.  The RPSA version of this survey is called a Home Condition Survey. 

RICS Level 3 is also known as a full structural survey. It is the most thorough survey offered by RICS. It’s the best option for large properties, houses over fifty years old, fixer-uppers or listed buildings. It’s also a good idea to choose Level 3 if you’ve seen anything at the property you’re concerned about, or you’re planning major renovations. With a Level 3, you’ll not only get advice on repairs and budgets, but also receive detail of what will happen if you don’t invest in the faults – this will help you prioritise. The RPSA version of this is called a Building Survey. 

5.     How do I find a qualified surveyor? 

If a surveyor is recommended to you, check that they have RICS, MRICS, FRICS or RPSA after their name. This shows that they hold qualifications from the main institutes of surveyors in the UK.

If you need a surveyor and don’t know where to start, you can find a RICS surveyor through their website here.

You can find a RPSA surveyor through their website here.

Alternatively, Cobbles holds lists of surveyors we have worked with in the past, and we would be very happy to connect you. Of course, we would never pressure a buyer to use a particular surveyor and you are very welcome to choose your own.

Buy property in Guildford

Buying property is a serious business. If you have any questions about surveys or any other aspect of house buying, our experienced team are here to help. Get in touch on 01483 457 000 – we’d love to hear from you!