Home Survey

jamie_128

Bit annoyed with myself, i decided not to upgrade the mortgage survey to a homebuyers report as i heard it can potentially stall the mortgage application if something is flagged up, so decided id pay for one myself. This would have been cheaper if i just upgraded, now i need to get an independant survey.

My question is, is the homebuyers survey actually worth doing? I think the property isent much more than 30 years old, i cant find out atm, but is pretty immaculate inside, what can the homebuyer survey pick up that would potentially cost me a lot of money that a mortgage survey wouldent?

Doozergirl

Do you know much about houses?

I've literally replied to a thread involving a five year old extension that isn't properly built. Presumably the OP of that thread is pleased.

I think that surveys are valuable and with the benefit of experience, I think commissioning your own is a good idea if it means you get to choose the person and have a good chat about the house too on a deeper level than being worried about what the mortgage company says too.

Nothing beats an honest conversation with someone you've chosen because you feel you can trust them.

The mortgage survey is only going to establish that the house is basically standing for the purposes of security for lending. If it turns out that there is a problem, the surveyor is not liable to you. You're on your own.

highguyuk

I've "upgraded" our mortgage providers standard valuation survey to a Home Buyers Report.

I wasn't sure if it was best to find an independent surveyor to undertake this, but having done some research (and without any personal recommendations from family/friends) it felt like I was none the wiser on another surveyor who may or may not provide a good service.

Therefore, as upgrading saved circa £150 on commissioning separately, I went with that option.

Are you sure you've missed the opportunity to upgrade? If you have, whilst it's unfortunate about the costs, IMO a home buyers report is worthwhile.

jamie_128

Yes as they have already done the valuation.

kinger101

Not upgrading to the lenders HB report was probably sensible. They might take issue with something trivial.

But unless you're in the building trade (or know someone who is), it would be foolhardy IMO not to commission your own HB report.

It will recommend getting in other professionals to check stuff over (electrics, gas), and it can feel like 90% of what's written relates to every house on the plant. If it's just the "normal" stuff that appears in every survey, then it can feel like money for old rope.

But there's a chance it will throw up something more serious, and could save you making a grave error.

Even if it's a relatively new property, consider a full survey if there's any extension, or dodgy DIY.

Either way, shop around for a surveyor. The first one I used missed stuff Mr Magoo could have spotted, including blown plaster and a leaking roof. The second one sent me an amazingly detailed report with about 200 photos.

G_M

jamie_128 wrote: »

.... I think the property isent much more than 30 years old, i cant find out atm, but is pretty immaculate inside, what can the homebuyer survey pick up that would potentially cost me a lot of money that a mortgage survey wouldent?

That tells us more about you than about the property.


So the paintwork/decor is in good condition and the kitchen units are smart.


But is there damp - hidden or overt? Is the roof sound? The foundations? What condition are the soffits in? Have the (new, smart-looking?) replacement windows been put without supporting the brickwork above which was previously supported by stout wooden window frames?


You need to look beyond the 'immaculate inside' and that's what a survey will do!

jamie_128

Thanks chaps. I will definately book a homebuyers survey.

My house is a 7 year old new build and im yet to recieve a surveyor to value mine for my buyers mortgage. But the estate agent mentioned they are instructing solicitors now, is it possible they dont need to do a physical survey being its a new build still in warranty?

highguyuk

jamie_128 wrote: »

is it possible they dont need to do a physical survey being its a new build still in warranty?

No, they'll still do a survey - the depth of it will depend on how much detail the buyer wants.

jamie_128

But when ive remortgaged in the past they just did an online check, why would it be different?

Ive read somewhere they just drive by, check street view and sold prices sometimes?