Homebuyer surveys

Jud1

Some help please - especially if you happen to be a surveyor!
I'm buying a buy to let flat. Never done it before and want to be responsible. Was advised to have a homebuyer survey. As I've never owned a flat I thought this might be sensible. The flat is 12 years old. The survey came back with EVERYTHING in the red. Obviously I rapidly started negotiating with the estate agent and got nowhere for 2 weeks. Went to the Manager. Showed him the survey. He phoned the "recommended" firm of surveyors and was told this is "standard practice" for homebuyer reports as they are "fault finding" reports. He was also told it is because surveyors aren't qualified to comment as they aren't electricians, heating engineers etc. Mmmm.
How can they be allowed to offer / sell a service they are unable to provide? Confused...

Yorkie1

What actual items came back red?

Your expectations of the surveyor are too wide. You wouldn't expect a GP to be a specialist in every single illness. Similarly, a surveyor can only signpost for other specialism's.

booksurr

I take it that you have not done any research yourself before spending your money?
http://www.rics.org/uk/knowledge/consumer-guides/home-surveys/

http://www.thisismoney.co.uk/money/mortgageshome/article-2303907/How-pick-right-survey-Is-new-home-ticking-timebomb.html

http://www.ourproperty.co.uk/guides/surveys_explained.html

martin.cat

I take it the red items are the boiler heating gas and electrics. Basically it's a bit of !!!! covering saying you should get these checked out

If it's 12 years old electrics will be fine unless some idiot has messed but no harm getting a inspection done and again for heating etc

Other than that want are the issues?

Have you spoke to the surveyor.

pinkteapot

I've had three Homebuyers reports done on properties in recent years. Had almost all greens and only two or three yellow items in all that time....

What was red and what did it say?

If the company you used have admitted that they just mark everything as red on every single report they do, ask for a refund and use a better company!

As others have said though, they aren't experts in everything so there will always be some disclaimer stuff saying you should get someone else in to check the electrics and gas.

kingstreet

You are advised to obtain specialist reports on the issues raised in the survey.

As has been said, you've seen the GP now it's off to the Consultant.

Many purchasers avoid the homebuyer's report now and having a decent eye, they move straight to the specialist reports they can see are needed.