Survey Queries - Full vs HBR on a leasehold flat...

himou

Hi there,

buying a flat (for the first time) and interested in any tips on how to get the most out of a survey.

It's a leasehold flat in a building built in the 70s and so I'd assume we don't need to/it wouldn't be worth getting a full structural survey and should instead get a HomeBuyers Report. Is that right?

The condition of the flat isn't great and I don't know whether the HBR is detailed enough to give an opinion on something like the boiler or the electrics? Would it be better to factor-in getting an assessment from technicians on this front?

Thanks in advance!

tim123456789

A HBR is a copmplete waste of time/money for a flat

You either need a FSS of the entire block or a simple valuation

anything in-between is wasted money IMHO

tim

[Deleted User]

A homebuyers report will look at the boiler and electronics, from my understanding.

Bear in mind that if it's leasehold then it's the freeholder's responsibility to look after the structure of the building, not yours.

robatwork

The one thing they WON'T report on is the electrics and boiler.

They may say "there is evidence of electricity" and "there is something that looks like a boiler in the kitchen".

Even a full survey won't test either of the above.

You can to some extent test the boiler yourself - ask them to turn the heating on, check the rads come on, look at the flame pattern in the boiler - they flames should be an even blue colour. Ask to see boiler service records and ask how old it is. If it's >10 years, budget to change it.

Get an electrician to check the wiring if you have any doubts. You can even get a proper all day check that will cost you £150 or so but if it needs rewiring and you can negotiate the price then it may save you thousands.

The survey will mainly be about the structure, damp, and will be covered in caveats like "couldn't see the flooring, but assume the floor is there".

Fire_Fox

Depends on the size and layout of the block and the surveyor you choose - can the surveyor gain access to any roof/ loft spaces and basement? You will have to organise this and ensure it happens on the day, ditto getting consent from the current leaseholder to lift carpeting. For a FSS a good surveyor will go out of their way, within reason, to look at these, for a HBR they will likely not.

Surveyors are like GPs, any specialist reports will be done by others. I'd be as concerned about the state of the roof walls and foundations than the boiler and electrics, you would need a heating engineer/ electrician to check these out regardless of what level of survey you pay for.

Remember you are spending tens possibly hundreds of thousands of pounds, don't scrimp on a couple of hundred quid getting a professional to check the place over properly. It's all very well saying it's up to the freeholder to check the structure, that may be so but the freeholder does not pay for repairs and maintenance the cost is passed onto the leaseholders. You would be legally obligated to pay your share regardless of your ability to pay.