Type of survey?

potato_dog

I've recently put in an offer on a top (2nd) floor flat in a block of 60 flats - era is around 1930s I think. Question is - should I get a homebuyers report or full stuctural survey? My first thought was to go for the homebuyers report as it is quite a small flat and not particularly ancient, and also purpose built. But reading the Which? guide today, it recommended getting a full survey done as I (and the other flat owners in the block) would be responsible for stuff going wrong in the common areas. I was aware of this of course, but hadn't thought of it in the context of the survey. Also would a full survey have to be done over the entire block (which is huge) and if so would it cost much more than a full survey on, say, a 3 bed house? Seems mean to have to shell out so much on a 2 bed flat!

Thanks

Susie

potato_dog

Cmon - someone must have some advice on this subject! Surely some MSE-ers have bought flats in blocks before? Pretty please!

Susie

Doozergirl

I think if the property isn't excessively old then a homebuyer's report will suffice.

Personally, I find surveys a bit of a waste of money as they only seem to suggest getting particular experts in to look at the property. I just cut to the chase and get those people in straight off. If you know someone that knows houses, they can see who you might need to consult. It works for us as we know our way around houses ourselves these days, but I can certainly appreciate how a survey with recommendations will provide comfort for the majority of people.

Good luck with your purchase

lilyann1

I would go for Homebuyers too.I think full structural is a waste of money unless the property is hundreds of years old.
We had a homebuyers done on the house we're buying.It's 1940's and we rec'd a 30 page report!!!!! Very in depth.

potato_dog

Cheers for the replies. Still not sure what to do - but good to have someone else's perspective...

lowis

i had a homebuyers survey done yesterday. i live in a 1950's block, 11 floors, i'm on the top floor (i'm buying under RTB) when the surveyor arrived the first thing i asked him was did he think a homebuyer survey was enough. he said definitely because the block was purpose built and not too old (relatively). he said the full survey was more appropriate to older flats and houses i.e. victorian, georgian house etc. perhaps you should try calling some local surveyors, describi9ng your property and asking their opinion? i did and all 3 that I called said a homebuyers survey would be fine.