Disagree with survey

Bargie

Hello,

Our buyer has just had their structural survey done and it came up with quite a few issues. Some we agree with (roof), others we don't. I know the surveyor is qualified etc but we think he has been a bit picky on some things; like the house was rewired in the early 2000's when it was refurbished by previous owners. The surveyor has said it needs a rewire. We disagree as all sockets, switches, fuse boxes, transformers are all modern and a little over 10 years old, some more recent. The surveyor also said we need all new windows and doors. Again these are all modern upvc double glazed, we have no broken seals, no condensation in the glass, they are in good condition and again only 10 years old.
The buyer is using the report to try and reduce price by £15k as they want everything that was picked up fixed. We a) just aren't able to do this and b) feel they want a perfect 2013 standards house in a 1800's house which is never going to happen, we feel they should accept a house over 150 years old will have some faults.

We have offered £5k reduction towards roof and damp but refuse to pay for new windows, doors and electrics.

Are we being unrealistic? Do they have a case?

Is the surveyor being too picky?

We are prepared to walk away from sale but were just so hocked about electrics, doors an windows.

Bargie

*shocked not hocked

Guest101

There is nothing you can do, a qualified surveyor has produced a document for the buyer. It's not your document, you cannot use it. Regardless of what it says, the buyer has then offered 15k lower, he gave reasons that you do not agree with, but its nit relevant. All your doing is talking numbers, are you happy to drop 15k? if not then dont, say you reject the new offer and wish to proceed on the previous basis.

He may walk away.

You say do they have a case? a case for what?

Have you gone through the selling process before? even if you knock 5k off now, they'll be asking for 10k when your about to exchange.

Also bear in mind, other buyers may get similar reports.

Guest101

P.S you sid they should accept a 150 yr old house will have ome faults. Have you done that? Does the price reflect the existing problems?

Teresa_Green

Bargie wrote: »

Hello,

Our buyer has just had their structural survey done and it came up with quite a few issues. Some we agree with (roof), others we don't. I know the surveyor is qualified etc but we think he has been a bit picky on some things; like the house was rewired in the early 2000's when it was refurbished by previous owners. The surveyor has said it needs a rewire. We disagree as all sockets, switches, fuse boxes, transformers are all modern and a little over 10 years old, some more recent. The surveyor also said we need all new windows and doors. Again these are all modern upvc double glazed, we have no broken seals, no condensation in the glass, they are in good condition and again only 10 years old.
The buyer is using the report to try and reduce price by £15k as they want everything that was picked up fixed. We a) just aren't able to do this and b) feel they want a perfect 2013 standards house in a 1800's house which is never going to happen, we feel they should accept a house over 150 years old will have some faults.

We have offered £5k reduction towards roof and damp but refuse to pay for new windows, doors and electrics.

Are we being unrealistic? Do they have a case?

Is the surveyor being too picky?

We are prepared to walk away from sale but were just so hocked about electrics, doors an windows.

You are trying to be reasonable, they are trying it on.

Have you seen the actual full wording of the survey yourself?

See how they respond to your counter offer, and decide from there if you want to continue to sell to them?

Yes another buyer may receive the same survey results, but ultimately may also have more reasonable and realistic expectations bearing in mind the type of house for sale.

I hope you get the outcome you want!

monty-doggy

I did a lot of research before I had the survey done on the house I am buying, and the one bit of advice I was given over and over is that the surveyors will advise replacing ANYTHING they are not qualified to check including electrics, gas, boiler and windows.

I kept this in mind and when the survey came back, it stated all of the above, this made me laugh as the boiler has been purchased and fitted only days before I had the survey done, along with six windows, all of which are now under guarantee.

Overall the survey showed a valuation 3k under the offer price, and this is the figure I used to negotiate with the seller. They were happy to drop to this price. The works I need to complete include a replacement of the conservatory, or the roof on it at a minimum, a new roof on the kitchen extension, a damp course, and supply and fit a lintel above the lounge window as the bricks have sagged and could become serious.

I expect all that to come to far more than 3k but the survey valuation is done in light of the jobs needing doing and it's reflective.

Once I do all of the above, the valuation will be more.

Why should you pay to make the property more valuable for them?

I'd start by asking to see the report and check what value the surveyor has put on it. After all, he wouldn't advise the bank to lend more than it was worth!

Guest101

They may be trying it on, but at the end of the day they will only pay hat they want to for the house, if that's too little, walk away. If not, their reasons dont matter.

Davesnave

This is fairly normal.

Following a survey, there is often a bit of horse trading on price, but if you've priced fairly in the first place (you have, haven't you?;)) then a reduction of 1/3 of the estimated amount for 'works' is reasonable.

150 year old houses are, as you say, not going to be fully up to date, so buyers expectations should be tempered by that.

By the way, a surveyor is like a GP and not a specialist. I would want an electrician's view on the electrics.

Guest101

My point is: if the buyer hadnt lowered the price now, but instead waited until your about to exchange and suddenly said i want to lower by 15k, would ou have said yes or no - there's your answer.

The survey is just an excuse

robatwork

I don't actually believe the surveyor has said "rewire". He would be most unusual if he was claiming electrical qualifications.

Have you SEEN the survey yourself or is this through the EA/buyer?

Ask to see the survey because they are probably trying it on. I suspect it says "electrics haven't been checked but a rewire may be necessary" which means nothing.

If the buyer won't show you the survey, ask them specifically about the surveyor's qualifications to be commenting on the electrics, and his registration number with NICEIC or NAPIT.

As well as this you can get your own electrical inspection done at perhaps £150 to counter with.

Guest101

Can someone tell me why Vendors think they have a right to see the survey? I've obviously missed something here? But thats 3 or 4 times its been suggested.