Which Surveyor? Should I use a Colleys or EServ surveyor?

Big_Zee

Hi,

I've had an offer accepted on a property which I am purchasing as a cash buy, and I am now looking to instruct a surveyor.

For my situation I would like a bit of advice on which type of surveyor to look for.

The property is pretty delapidated and my plan is to, renovate it, split it into 2 flat, move into one of the flats once complete, then re-mortgage both flats (hoping to get a higher valuations for mortgage purposes on the 2 flats than intital purchase price of the house).

So I am looking for a surveyor that can provide a good structural survey, and also provide me with sound advice on the likely re-mortgage values once the flats have been renovated (and also advice on any pitfalls and how to avoid them, come re-mortgage).

I have heard that Colleys and EServ surveyors are the ones that work for the big mortgage providers, so would it be a good idea to get one of these?

Any thoughts on the above I would be extremely grateful.

Thanks

kingstreet

Colleys is owned by Halifax/LBG. Esurv carries out valuations for many mortgage lenders.

I would personally find myself a small, independent FRICS surveyor in my area and give them the business. You are likely to be able to strike up a good relationship with them and call on them for help and advice after the inspection and report are done.

I'm a little guy in the mortgage world and I do what I can for the other smaller guys in the property business - solicitors, surveyors etc.

phoebe1989seb

Esurv carried out the Homebuyers Report for our buyers last year. The surveyor spent between 3 and 3 1/2 hours at the house (5 bed detached, Tudor) and the guy appeared to be pretty thorough - but he made several errors, most of which were avoidable and another, less keen buyer may well have pulled out as result of his spurious findings......I wouldn't recommend them myself

Winkle1908

I've used Colleys twice and found them very good but have nothing to compare them with.

teneighty

I would support what kingstreet suggested. I might even go further due to the condition of the property and proposed conversion and suggest a local independent Chartered Building Surveyor although that may leave you needing a local valuer to advise on future values and mortgagability. I certainly would not recommend any of the large national chains of valuers like Colleys or Esurv for this type of property (or indeed any property).

One thing I would suggest is to make plenty of free enquiries before paying for surveys etc. Flat conversions are not as easy to get through planning as they used to be so I would make enquiries with the local authority and speak to local estate agents about the current market conditions for flat conversions in the area.

Big_Zee

I'm all for supporting the small guy, but I'm just wondering why specifically you wouldn't recommend a surveyor from Colleys or ESurv? - ie there maybe a local surveyor who works for one of these big firms.

Suppose I'm looking for a re-mortgage in 6 months after re-development, would not a surveyor from Esurv be in a better position to advise on possible pitfalls to look out for, and actions to take before I apply? Also what if the re-mortgage requires a structural survey - It would be annoying to have to instruct a completely new survey just because the first one didn't tick the right box - how would I avoid this happening?

Thanks for the help with the questions - as I say I'm all for small independents, but I need to ensure it works for me if I do.

Thanks again in advance.

kingstreet

When remortgaging, the lender's surveyor may ask for additional information on the property but no-one is going to ask for a full structural survey.

The mortgage report and valuation establishes to the lender that the property is worth your estimated value and is suitable security for the mortgage. That's the lender's only interest.

I can see no advantage in using a "chain" surveyor over a local independent. If I could, I'd tell you what it was...!

cattie

I'd personally never use esurve after my buyers surveyor refused to remove his shoes to go upstairs in my house. Luckily I always keep shoe covers for tradesman etc to use to save my carpets getting soiled, but felt this guy was just a pompus **** and vowed never to use the company myself.

Definitely not the way to win customers or create a good impression.

phoebe1989seb

Big_Zee wrote: »

I'm all for supporting the small guy, but I'm just wondering why specifically you wouldn't recommend a surveyor from Colleys or ESurv? - ie there maybe a local surveyor who works for one of these big firms.

The guy from Esurv that did our buyers' survey definitely wasn't local - he admitted this - and had no idea of the local market. Whilst he valued the house we were selling at the price agreed, he made such ridiculous school-boy errors that it makes me wonder what he was actually doing for three and a half hours

ess0two

As a seller the last person i'd wanna see is Esurv,they're renowned for really down valuing.

As your're a buyer they may work in favour.

barrow1956

I agree esurv are well known for down valuing ,stay well clear .