Survey needed on 25 year old house

LuckyG

Apologies if this is a stupid question but I'm completely new to everything that's involved with buying a house.

I'm guessing the answer is yes and to be honest I think having a survey done would be a good idea but I'd like to know if it is necessary.
Also, I know there a few different types of surveys, each with their own level of detail. If the answer to the above question is yes, what survey would be recommended?

Thank you

System

Absolutely. 25 years doesn't mean problem free.

Mortgage Valuation isn't worth the paper its written on

Here's a good breakdown. Notice what it says about the RICS Homebuyers Report about it not being invasive so not moving looking behind furniture or under floorboards.

Linton

The only necessary survey is the mortgage company's valuation. If there is nothing obviously concerning about the 25 year old house but you are nevertheless worried you should find a basic "home buyer's survey" sufficient. The chances are that there will be nothing more identified than perhaps the age of the central heating boiler, some cosmetic cracks and a bit of rot in the woodwork, but even that could be useful as a starting point for future maintenance.

ThePants999

Get whatever you need to give yourself adequate piece of mind that the house is in a condition you're happy with and that your offer is appropriate to it. As well as the age of the property, that'll depend on whether it's been well maintained (which may or may not be clear to you), how good a look you've had for yourself, and how capable you are of spotting issues with a house. If in doubt, have a survey, they're not expensive.

ThePants999

Erm, PEACE of mind. (Can't edit on phone...)

LuckyG

Thanks everyone, will arrange it Tuesday

Chanes

Exactly the same age as the house we bought two years ago and we had a homebuyers survey just to have trained eyes look over it for serious trouble; it's an easy survey to understand too because it grades the things by 'urgency'.

Mr_da

The home buyers survey with tsb was £650 compared to the £300 valuation with them. I went for the home buyers £650 which when spending £150,000 plus I wanted for peace of mind. And it showed up a few problems which meant I had a couple of thousand knocked off the price. So for me it was well worth while spending £350 more

[Deleted User]

Unless they are pulling up carpets and looking behind wallpaper then the survey isn't worth the paper it's written on.

I know people who have bought older properties after a homebuyers survey and found loads of problems later down the line that wasn't picked up on.

LuckyG

Well we already know it will need new central heating, so definitely expecting that to show up. It's hard to know what to do, our solicitors have advised we have the home buyers survey done.

How long does a surveyor's report usually take to come back?

Linton

LuckyG wrote: »

Well we already know it will need new central heating, so definitely expecting that to show up. It's hard to know what to do, our solicitors have advised we have the home buyers survey done.

How long does a surveyor's report usually take to come back?

Ours came back a couple of days after the survey took place, which was less than a week after it was booked. The timing of the survey depends on the vendor and the surveyors workload.