Homebuyer Survey -

vo-vo

Hi,

Offered for a 4bed detached built in 1980s - currently in the process of mortgage application with Halifax.

The basic valuation cost £500 and Level 2 report (Homebuyer?) about £785 - is this too expensive?

I suppose we definitely need to use their basic valuation service?

I'm thinking of instructing a separate Homebuyers Survey - but would it cost cheaper to have the combined one from Halifax?

Any one has a suggestion on where / how much get an independent homebuyer report ?

Thanks.

tek-monkey

Thats over £300 more than my 3 bed semi, in fact my HB cost less than your valuation.

vo-vo

tek-monkey wrote: »

Thats over £300 more than my 3 bed semi, in fact my HB cost less than your valuation.

£300 - is it for homebuyer's only - or does it also include the valuation as well?
Did u get your HB yourself?

tek-monkey

My homebuyers was £465, booked by the lender (Co-op). That included the valuation, I think all HB reports do?

keith969

HSBC wanted £260 for a basic valuation survey for the place I'm buying. £500 sounds way overpriced.

vo-vo

tek-monkey wrote: »

My homebuyers was £465, booked by the lender (Co-op). That included the valuation, I think all HB reports do?

HSBC wanted £260 for a basic valuation survey for the place I'm buying. £500 sounds way overpriced.

I dont suppose this is negotiable with Halifax?
And I do not have any option if I want to apply the mortgage with them?

Not sure if this is a standard charge by Halifax or is it product/property specific..

tek-monkey

I think it must be property specific, they need to spend more time on a 4 bed detached than a 3 bed semi.

vo-vo

Anyone done Homebuyer survey separately in addition to the mortgage valuation?
Any recommendation of surveyor and price range to look at ?

Thanks.

chickmug

vo-vo wrote: »

Any recommendation of surveyor and price range to look at ?

Thanks.

Why don't you look for surveyors on yell.com see if they have a web site where they quote prices or call them and ask as they do vary.

Or find one here.
http://www.ricsfirms.com/

Here's one with prices.
http://www.timstubbs.co.uk/Prices.html

jenny74

tek-monkey wrote: »

I think it must be property specific, they need to spend more time on a 4 bed detached than a 3 bed semi.

Our buyer paid £385 for a homebuyers survey on our large 3 bed detached. He did not pay anything for the mortgage valuation.

I'd try another lender, they are ripping you off, and if they do that now, they may do it again.

(BTW we're going with Abbey and they have not charged us for a mortgage valuation, nor did they charge us for the mortgage valuation on our purchase that fell through in May).

HTH Jenny

gemstars

Is Halifax the best lender for you?

fo me with Natwest the basic valuation would have been £280, I paid £355 for the Homebuyers through them.

This was on a £80,000 1979 end terrace.