Full Structural Survey - before or after Solicitor?

Liquidity

I have had an offer accepted on a property that was built around the 1940s so want to get a full structural survey done - is it better to get this done before hiring a solicitor on my own, or hiring a solicitor first?

BelleBot

I'd instructed a solicitor immediately after having my offer accepted as the EA and my lender wanted details of who they were. I also instructed a surveyor shortly afterwards who completed the survey as soon as I had my mortgage offer (lender had already done a basic valuation). I'm currently awaiting results of the survey and searches from surveyor and solicitor, but understandably everything has slowed down due to Christmas.

I don't know if this is the best way of doing things but it's how I've done them.

alwaystryyourbest

I did it the was bellebot did it as well ...

verulamium

We've always instructed solicitors first.

movilogo

Searches and survey are independent processes. If any one of these throws a show stopper I guess you won't proceed anyway.

So, unless your solicitor offers "no sale no fee" option, I'd advise get the survey done and if everything is ok then instruct solicitor.

giraffe69

You could appoint a solicitor and ask him to do no chargeable work until the survey is done.

SmlSave

It depends how quickly you want things to progress.

You can instruct a solicitor but tell them not to do any work until the survey comes back but this will delay the purchase.

It really is up to you

tBagpuss_2

I would instruct a solicitor straight away, but ask them not to do the searches until the survey comes back.

Agents and mortgage co will want to know who your solicitor is, and you will want your solicitor involved if you want to negotiate on the price due to any adverse survey results.

Kynthia

Generally solicitors won't start chargeable work until your mortgage offer is in, but you need to have one straight away. Once you have found someone you can then let them know you wish them to wait to begin searches and enquiries until your mortgage offer is agreed and you are happy with the survey results, or if you want things to move quicker and are happy to take the risk you could ask them to begin these straight away.

propertyman

Unless you are buying something brand new, clearly in good shape or refurbished, your offer should be subject to survey and most can be done with a few days along with, if you are happy to wait a day or two more, the mortgage valuation.

You can choose a solicitor and provide the details to the agent, and ask them not to act until you tell them you are happy to proceed after having got the verdict from the surveyor.

So in most cases survey first.