survey on house

nazjon

Hi, I need to get a survey on a house I have had offer accepted on but I have only ever bought a newbuild which didnt need one. Can anyone advise on what a good price for a survey is and if they can recommend any good companies? I am probably looking at getting a full structural survey done. I am in West Essex, East Herts area if anyone knows of good ones in that area if the companies are not nationwide.

Thanks

kingstreet

Your lender will request out a mortgage report and valuation via a surveyor of its choice. In addition to that you have the option of a homebuyer's report, adding around £200 to the cost of the valuation, or a chartered building survey, what was previously known as a "full structural." The price of a chartered building survey will be by negotiation.

The lender's surveyor may offer both options, so you could eliminate the possible double charging you find by employing two different surveyors.

Check out the lender's surveyor's services before you do anything else.

Gary123456790

Hi,

Your mortgage company will instruct a valuation - easiest route is to upgrade this to a homebuyers survey or full structural. There is a debate as to the usefulness of these, as they often contain statements like 'may be evidence of damp, seek advice from a damp and timber specialist' so you may end up wondering what you've got for your money.

Its always seemed a bit strange to me, you get their professional opinion on whether its sound, but if its not there is no comeback...

Gary.

nazjon

thank you, the post office applications actually listed a 'homebuyers report' at around £500 which I assume includes the survey, is that a reasonable price?

kingstreet

As I often say Gary, the surveyor is a GP who can see there's a problem, but he'll refer you to a specialist for a diagnosis, such as a timber or damp problem.

Once the diagnosis is made, the surveyor can then recommend the treatment based on the cost involved.

kingstreet

£500 for a valuation and homebuyer's report is about the going rate.

Conrad

Remember a homebuyer survey is not the same thing as a full structural survey. The full structural will cost more still.

jen_br

Crazy in Scotland the Owners have to do a home buyers report thought it was the same in england.

kingstreet

jen_br wrote: »

Crazy in Scotland the Owners have to do a home buyers report thought it was the same in england.

The vendor's Home Report in Scotland and the Homebuyer's Report in England are two different things, produced for different reasons.