Full Survey - Bank or independent

joepubli

I am buying an old house and would like a full survey rather than just a valuation. Would you recommend going through the lender for this or should I find an independent surveyor?

Any experiences welcomed. I am looking at the offset account with First Direct and their full survey seems quite expensive compared to going direct.
Thanks
Joe

opinions4u

Your call.

Remember that you will almost certainly have to pay for a basic valuation with FD if you arrange your own full survey. So price that in.

dimbo61

Depending on the deposit you are putting down FD are going to send out there surveyor to see that its worth what FD are going to lend you !
Now if you get your own full survey done its going to be cheaper( you are dealing direct) and this will show up any big problems before you spend money on a valuation with FD.
I paid £250 for a valuation and £400 on a full survey

TrickyDicky

For me, when I got an HSBC mortgage, it was cheaper to pay for the basic valuation and get another company to do the survey than to pay HSBC's company for a full survey. IIRC, it was about £800 for full survey through HSBC, but about £400 elsewhere.

fraser

I would certainly choose a reputable local RICS surveyor who knows the area well - land, construction of properties in he area, any common traits of area and how values fluctuate from road to road, thy are also likely to know the estate agents and may advise on who best to speak to if you have to negotiate hard following survey

you will as mentioned above need the valuation from FD

we did the above for both and the local RICS surveyor was far more accurate in our view, it was an essential tool as part of our negotiation as the FD was a bit placatory