House surveys - when are they likely to resume?

[Deleted User]

We offered on a property just before lockdown in mid-March, and payment was taken but the Homebuyers survey never got booked in. We are nearing exchange now, and obviously have not had a physical survey on the property we are buying, which was is an ex-council house built in the 1960s and has been in the same family for 60 years. Hence we have no idea what condition it is in, beyond what we saw at the viewings. 
Our mortgage offer has been issued as the property was valued via DVM, and this stated around 12k less than we have offered, but due to our deposit/equity this won't affect the mortgage we need.
The surveyors have said no physical surveys are being done at the moment, which seems odd as it would be quite easy to do this with social distancing and a facemask if necessary. Other tradesmen are working in the home (as I see from my neighbours!), performing far more rigorous activities, so I am unsure why surveyors cannot.
So...does anyone know when surveyors are likely to start doing surveys again?
Thanks

AdrianC

There's no reason why they can't. They aren't explicitly barred from doing so.

But, of course, individual surveyors may be choosing not to operate at the moment. If that's the case, then... ask them.

I suspect I know the answer - "When the government ease restrictions". And we know the current answer to that - "not yet".

Your lender are happy for a desktop valuation, so it's entirely for your own purposes that you may or may not wish to get any more detailed inspection. You may get similar reassurance from an inspection by any builder who is still operating - there's no reason why it has to be a chartered surveyor, of course.

davidmcn

I think it's RICS guidance they're following rather than any specific government advice.

Chloe901

We are in a similar position timing-wise. I spoke with my solicitor and EA yesterday, and both confirmed that there is nothing definitive stopping surveys from happening, as AdrianC says. We have found surveyors who are still working, so it can be done. However, the problem we have (and what you may need to consider) is that we cannot arrange access to the property (which is vacant) as the EA is working from home and not willing/able to meet with surveyor during lock down (which I understand). We're putting it on hold until restrictions are eased, as it's a very old property (c1850) and we're wanting a full structural survey, so we're happy to wait, and for now so are the vendors.

han_nah95_2

We are also purchasing a 1960's council house Our offer was accepted beginning of March.
Our surveys were done last week however the house is currently empty so makes it easier, hoping we're near the end of the process now 

Beck1987

han_nah95_2 said:

We are also purchasing a 1960's council house Our offer was accepted beginning of March.
Our surveys were done last week however the house is currently empty so makes it easier, hoping we're near the end of the process now 

was it a RICS homebuyers house survey? 

bob_the_dinosaur

According to RICS its down to individual firms.
Your options are:
1. Wait, or
2. Find someone else.