FTB - how much do I take the structural survey at face value?

clipclipclip

Hi all,

I've had an offer accepted on a house, which is a 1930/40s semi, and have got a structural survey done. I'm just waiting on my mortgage offer also.

The survey said that the property was a reasonable proposition for purchase. There were a few showstoppers that will need to be fixed (lack of electrical and gas testing certs). But there were a lot of things which seem like they come with a house of this age, such as roof tiles being loose, cracks in mortar, timber needing repainting or replacing as appropriate, that sort of thing. There is also the possibility (but unconfirmed) of asbestos due to it's age.

How much should I consider these points? There must be an element of a surveyor having to find issues to put in the report, and most of them were condition level 2/3 (i.e. not immediate repair). Of course, I expect to have to do some repair to a property of this type.

Should I start to worry? Should I start to ask for quotes, and potentially a discount from the vendor?

Cheers

G_M

The surveyor has told you in general terms what the proeprty is like "reasonable proposition for purchase." and also highlighted areas that either need further investigation or will need some remedial work.

I mean what do you expect a survey to say? why have one done?!

lack of electrical and gas testing certs

Very (very very) few properties have these, but as the surveyor is not an electrician or gas engineer, the lack of certs means he cannot comment positively or negatively on the electrics or gas. So he strongly advises you to get them checked. Whether you are woried enough about them to do so is up to you.

roof tiles being loose, cracks in mortar, timber needing repainting or replacing

so he has highlighted some areas of ongoing maintenance needed. Put these on your 'to do' list for the first 6 months of ownership. It's useful information.

possibility (but unconfirmed) of asbestos due to it's age.

True of most properties of that age. Did you know that? Well, the survey has given you that information. What you do about it (if anything) is up to you.

do I take the structural survey at face value?

Of course.It is providing you with information about your prospective new home.

cattie

You could certainly try to get a bit of a discount as you've got nothing to lose, but to me a house built around the 30's would have a survey pretty much the same as yours.

It's just a case of back covering on the surveyors part. If anything urgent needed doing then the lender tends to hold an amount back from the mortgage until you get the outstanding work rectified.

Surrey_EA

clipclipclip wrote: »

There were a few showstoppers that will need to be fixed (lack of electrical and gas testing certs).

Likely that around 95% of houses being sold won't have these, so definitely not a showstopper.

stingey

Hi

The surveyor needs to highlight these so that you can decide whether you want to go ahead with the purchase/amend your offer and also if the property is suitable for mortgage purposes due to the repairs. Your mortgage provider will want to know what they're paying for.

These seem like normal repairs for a property of its age. I would get quotes to see how much it would cost to do the repairs if you are not going to do them yourself. Then see if the offer you have put in is reasonable.