smallholdingsister's strivings

FloppyDisk

I think if you/hubby are reasonably adept at DIY you can spot most things yourselves and I'm sure there's so good online guides to tell you where to poke. My survey for the flat came back telling me it was old and needed decoration, and there might one day be leaks in the roof. Brilliant.

EatingTheElephant

We didn't have one done but went back for a second viewing and hubby checked out things himself, like looking in the loft and at the consumer box. I was quite appalled at what they didn't/wouldn't check on the survey to be honest. I think most people have them done though with the view that they can either budget for what is needed or get the price of the work knocked off etc.

greent

We've only had the lender's required basic valuation survey (effectively a 'drive by' type for 2 out of the 4 - wouldn't surprise me if they do it nowadays by recourse to online data!) - BUT all of the 3 houses we've bought for us were under 20 years old and the BTL was around 30 years old - a different matter if the property is old/ unusual, I guess x

Oooh - forgot - we nearly bought a different BTL but actually had a proper survey done as it was an old property which showed a damp issue (or maybe dry rot - I really can't remember!!) - we were prepared to buy it still but wanted a reduction in the price to compensate for the work which was required but the vendor refused to drop the price at all, so we walked away. Was worth it to us for that one time as to have discovered expensive work after would have been time consuming to sort and costly
x

smallholdingsister

GreenT they DO use online now and sweetly call it a "DESKTOP" survey.

We have agreed a price 30k under what MY agent (not the seller's) would have valued it at so unless it is subsiding then I reckon 30k covers it.

Looking at the consumer unit is a good plan. Sending an electrician in might be just as effective and a LOT cheaper.

Moneyfordreams

I would use the rationale if you can afford to fix whatever it throws at you (worst case scenario) then pay as little as possible to secure the house.

AlexLK

We had a full survey so we could see what we were letting ourselves in for. The house was a state and had been empty for a long time, though.

Secret_Saving_Squirrel

SHS, I was away for a few days and your whole world has changed! And mocksted on top! Brilliant news about the house, well done for moving so swiftly to get your new place. Fingers crossed for a smooth conveyance. Good luck. X

Brodiebobs

We had a survey but ours was old, empty and had a DIY extension built in the 50's, but the survey told us nothing we hadn't seen or anticipated.

As you say most is !!!! covering, it made me laugh they pointed out it may benefit from redecoration. We'd already spotted that from the bare walls and 60's carpets.

XSpender

I bought a dated and bit neglected 1930s extended semi last year and got a homebuyers survey done. I was going to pay for the full one but when my mortgage broker when into detail on what each one covered and what they would and wouldn't check the things I wanted checking like the wiring were not checked anyway and I would have to arrange this separately. We got the house for a good price and I know that the buyer would have refused to negotiate any lower if the survey had discovered something. We took the risk and nothing untoward has turned up yet, touch wood.

The difference in price was about £1000.

I sold my late 1990s house to a FTB and she had the full Monty done and a separate boiler appraisal carried out too even though I told her that it was the original and was an efficient as you would expect 20 year old boiler to be and she replaced it before she moved in!

smallholdingsister

Great and helpful comments, thank you.

Think we might go homebuyers with mortgage surveyor as £330 more than just a valuation.