When do we start thinking about surveys?

BSW89

Hi,

First-time buyer here, just had an offer accepted. I've been speaking to a mortgage advisor and am currently getting quotes for conveyancers, but when it comes to the survey I'm a little lost.

We're buying a fairly normal flat in good condition, don't anticipate doing any major work. From what I've read we should probably get a homebuyer's survey (in addition to the bank's survey).

Should we be looking for a surveyor immediately and getting the ball rolling or wait until we've progressed with the mortgage and found a solicitor?

Sorry - probably seems a silly question but this is all new to me!

Thanks

hazyjo

Your lender will probably give you the option to extend the valuation to a homebuyers report. Will prob be substantially cheaper.

kinger101

You shouldn't arrange anything until the chain is complete. Otherwise, it makes sense to get the survey done early (unless you think there is a significant risk bank will say no).

The option to use the banks valuer is usually good, though it does increase the risk they refuse the mortgage or add conditions which might become difficult to resolve.

cloo

Yes, wait until chain is complete and things are definitely going ahead.

SG27

1, find solicitor

2, apply for mortgage

3, get survey

FTBlalala

FTB here too, we did ours what some would call backwards I guess.

We got an AIP, offer accepted, instructed solicitors (not searches just yet), memo of sale received by all parties, had Building Survey done, survey cam back and we were happy with the results, instructed to start searches, full mortgage application submitted, searches complete - solicitor reviewing, mortgage offer received, all the paperwork from the solicitor (results of searches, lease info etc) sent out to us, now just waiting to receive that.....

There were a few things we were unsure about the property (not deal breakers just needed to know full extent) so we decided to get the survey done first before getting all the searches and mortgage sorted for that specific address. Just in case the survey indicated it wouldn't be worth it.

jonnygee2

We're buying a fairly normal flat in good condition

When was it built? It might not always be worth getting a survey done really. If it was 80s or earlier, it might be worth it to check for asbestos etc.

If it's relatively new and part of a purpose built block of flats, you can book a couple of the hours at the property and do it yourself. Try this for guidance https://hoa.org.uk/advice/guides-for-homeowners/i-am-buying/diy-quick-check-survey-for-house-hunters/ . Money saving! There's very little for a professionaly surveyor to do in a purpose built, modern flat imo.

This doesn't apply if it's part of a converted house or something like that - on that I'd get an actual survey done.

ric1982

cloo wrote: »

Yes, wait until chain is complete and things are definitely going ahead.

How do you confirm is the chain is complete other then just ask EA/vendor with some verbal confirmation, isnt it?