surveyors report wrong

hockeynut9988

there has been no movment in the last 8 years that I know off. The movement can be seen with the walls not being 100% true. Is this not expected in an old house?

Ithaca

I wouldn't normally comment on grammar/spelling in a forum post, but as you are aiming to raise a formal dispute over this matter I would urge you to find someone to proof-read your letter before you send it.

e.g. Perspective buyers = Prospective buyers

Not only will it help you be taken more seriously, it will also ensure that the information you are trying to get across is as clear as possible so you get the answer you are looking for.

I am sure there are plenty of people on this forum who would be happy to skim through a final draft once it's ready to weed out any unncessary errors or confusing statements, but by the sounds of it the surveyor has identified a specific reason (linked to structural movement) why either he/she or the lender consider the property to be worth a Zero Valuation.

It's not enough to say "it's an old house so surely there will be some movement", or "I've been here eight years and haven't noticed any movement". The lender is taking a long-term view of their risk with the property and are likely to be very cautious if there are indeed signs of recent movement.

One option may be to commission your own structural survey to ensure there isn't any structural movement that you may not be able to see day-to-day. It's probably a cost you don't want but you run the risk that any subsequent surveys you have from possible buyers will also end up with a zero valuation.

theartfullodger

hockeynut9988 wrote: »

there has been no movment in the last 8 years that I know off. The movement can be seen with the walls not being 100% true. Is this not expected in an old house?

Not always, probably not usually.

So you have no evidence you can provide to surveyor or anyone else there's been no movement in last 8 years. It appears the surveyor has a point & quite possible his report is not "wrong".

Yes, I have owned properties with movement... both historical, no more, movement & ongoing movement.

I'd engage a specialist surveyor and get another report done.

G_M

hockeynut9988 wrote: »

there has been no movment in the last 8 years that I know off. The movement can be seen with the walls not being 100% true. Is this not expected in an old house?

First, (again), please forget all the other stuff in your letter - the only relevant factors are 1) the movement and 2) the incomprehensible comment about "none residential properties.

If you intend to challenge the surveyor's conclusion, you will need evidence from a professional. Ideally a Structural Engineer's report.

A letter from yourself stating that "there has been no movment in the last 8 years that I know off" (sic) will carry no weight.

bildersfriend

We are undertaking a Basement Conversion in Hampstead NW3, this involves underpinning two Party walls and raising of two Party Walls to form a Mansard Roof. The under pinning will require temporay support and associated drawings. The raising of the walls will require complex structural calculations. To compound the situation there are various structural cracks to both front and rear elevations close to the Party Walls that will require Helical Stitching.

This work falls under the Party Wall etc Act 1996 and we are struggling to find a decent Party Wall Surveyor who will not over charge. Most of these guys quote by the hour and this seems to me to be an open cheque book as they final invoice is Statutory and means you have to pay it by law.

Any help much appreciated: guys! http://static.moneysavingexpert.com/images/forum_smilies/beerchug.gifhttp://static.moneysavingexpert.com/images/forum_smilies/action-smiley-033.gif

bildersfriend

This is actually very simple to repair and even simpler to confirm if movement is "ongoing" this is done by placing electronic calipers over the cracks and monitoring.

The movement itself can be controlled by restraints and stitching, if the movement is confirmed you need to establish the cause and take appropriate corrective action by under pinning or other. Its pretty simple stuff and should not substantially inter with a mortgage application if there a reasonable equality.

Don't panic over some RICS's Survey most have not got a clue and are fresh out of University!

G_M

bildersfriend wrote: »

Don't panic over some RICS's Survey most have not good a clue and are fresh out of University!

True. There are no RICS surveyors over the age of 23.

bbmack

Not wanting to hijack this thread but also not wanting to start a brand new one on a similar topic we've just had a real shock.
A surveyor came out and valued our property at £17,000 less than the offer we accepted. We expected a couple of thousand off due to a small issue with damp in the front room, but this valuation seems to be real pie in the sky.
The Estate agent was really shocked and said they'd appeal and show him evidence of similar houses in the area selling for similar prices but he has said that he will not budge.

Is there anything I can do to appeal this report? I think I'm realistic about my house but just can't fathom how he has valued it so low.
I'd like to take this further as I feel that this valuation is without foundation (which is something the house does at least have), and surely it's not fair that someone can come in, slap a price on your biggest asset without you having the right to respond.

We bought the house a couple of years ago for below market value as we bought from a family member and I wonder if this has had something to do with it.

Would it help if we get our own surveyor to do a check?

Legally can we appeal?

Bloody hell this moving house malarky is a bother!

lincroft1710

G_M wrote: »

True. There are no RICS surveyors over the age of 23.

I presume this is tongue in cheek as I have worked with over 100 chartered surveyors (both MRICS and FRICS) and hardly any were under 23

davidmcn

bbmack wrote: »

Legally can we appeal?

Legally, nothing has happened so far. You're just negotiating a price with the buyer. They can seek whatever advice they want about what the price ought to be. By all means insist on the higher price and provide evidence for why it's more appropriate than whatever the buyer's surveyor has suggested.