Chelsea building society, long delay to valuation survey

dominoman

I have been told that the earliest I can get a valuation survey for the house I an buying is five weeks away. That's despite me having over 40% deposit so presumably very low risk.

I am really worried as there is a cash buyer who wants our house and is in contact with the seller. The seller wants to complete ASAP so I worry that when I tell him of the delay I will lose the house.

Do I have any options?

Vazz_2

dominoman wrote: »

I have been told that the earliest I can get a valuation survey for the house I an buying is five weeks away. That's despite me having over 40% deposit so presumably very low risk.

I am really worried as there is a cash buyer who wants our house and is in contact with the seller. The seller wants to complete ASAP so I worry that when I tell him of the delay I will lose the house.

Do I have any options?

You have a name for your caseworker within Chelsea? Dealing on a personal level with someone can work magic. We had our valuation done within 3 days after asking nicely..

Seabee42

I certainly agree try the personal touch to see if someone there can help you.

In my area I am still waiting for my purchasers survey to be completed and am also waiting for my survey on the house we are looking to purchase. Quite frankly its shocking how slow that area is at the moment.

I am chasing and am being chased its all good fun just slower than normal.

kingstreet

Survey firms have contracted since 2008 and there are fewer surveyors now available to deal with the raised level of applications since Help To Buy was launched.

Many of our newbuild cases which were being done in two to three days are now more like ten to fourteen.

Nicholas-bloody-Parsons

Seems an extremely long time. My brother just had his done within a week, which I think is reasonable.

As Vazz says, you need to ask for them to give your survey a higher priority.

dominoman

Yes - I have a good relationship with the mortgage caseworker. I've been in fairly regular contact and have been polite and friendly. He does seem to have pushed it, but is restricted by the valuations company they use (countrywide).

What I really want is to be able to pay an independent valuer (one that is approved by the Chelsea) to do it more quickly, but that option isn't allowed.

dominoman

I guess now that the market is picking up so strongly (at least in London) there aren't enough valuers around.

Vazz_2

dominoman wrote: »

I guess now that the market is picking up so strongly (at least in London) there aren't enough valuers around.

What if you try calling Countrywide direct - you have nothing to loose..

dominoman

Good news. I just received a call from the agent to say the valuer has contacted her for keys, for next Wednesday! Being nice to the mortgage guy must have worked