House survey with vendor not present

Lifes_Grand_Plan

Hi folks,

I'm selling my house and the buyer's surveyor wants to come this week on a day that isn't convenient for me. They mentioned that they knew the estate agent had a key and were we ok with them collecting that, using it and returning it afterwards.

Is this an acceptable practice and are there any pros or cons to be being present or not at the time of the survey?

Probably worrying over nothing but thought I would pick the collective MSE brain....

agrinnall

Even though I was in when my survey was done the surveyor wanted to go round the house on his own, which he did, so I can't imagine doing the survey without you there at all would be a problem.

mrsmazza

When we sold I let the surveyor in, then went out and left him to it. I don't think you need to be there, they just get on with it, and probably don't want owners yapping away while there trying to work.

Surrey_EA

Perfectly normal, surveyors generally prefer to be left alone to compile their report, so no pros/cons either way.

GoldenShadow

Our surveyor went on his own. He actually had to ring the EA because the washing machine had oozed water all over the kitchen floor whilst he was there so he had to turn that off..!

To be fair also, if a buyer is paying a surveyor, the surveyor is not obliged to tell you very much about what they are going to report back on anyway. For our first one (which we pulled out of) the seller was present with my surveyor and even made a point of texting me saying the surveyor said all was fine, which I know he didn't.

I don't think you being out is an issue at all.

G_M

Just depends if you are happy leaving a stranger alone in your house.

Occassionally it can be helpful to be there. He might ask the odd question eg "Has the woodwork ever been treated?" and if you have paperwork to show him it bypasses the buyer having to check wih you later.

kinger101

I think it's probably more helpful for the vendor to be there, from the buyer's perspective anyway. As G_M suggests above, they can ask specific questions. But surveyors are also reluctant to do things like lift carpets/move furniture without the vendor's permission. Though perhaps they just pretend they refuse if they are there anyway. Any excuse to stick another caveat in their report.

bigfreddiel

If you're worried ask the ea to accompany the surveyor

fj