Worried about delays with surveyor

celloninja

Hello! I am in the process of purchasing a small home as a cash buyer. I was pleased to find a surveyor that looks really great and provides a really comprehensive survey, which I am keen on primarily for peace of mind. However after instructing them they have said they won't be able to carry out the survey until September. I'm worried this is too far away as the sellers want to move quickly. I'm new to this, so I don't know whether this is too long and may mean the seller pulls out - I know they had multiple offers (from non-cash buyers) so they might go with one of those instead. Would love to hear the thoughts of anyone who has been through the process from a buyer or seller perspective! 

davidmcn

I wouldn't hang around for over a month for a survey (whether buying or selling). Just phone around other surveyors and find one with better availability.

Falafels

I'm in the process of selling, and last week I was given the contact details of the buyer's surveyor so we could arrange a mutually convenient time. The earliest they could do it was at the end of August; I queried this, and they said they were so busy that really was absolutely the first available date. I think this is probably the case across the board; I know the RICS were urging caution to their members because of COVID, so quite apart from a backlog there may be fewer surveyors available in the first place.

I'm guessing that most buyers will be in the same boat (but that IS just a guess, and someone else on here may prove me wrong); if I were you I'd have a word with the seller and explain the situation. In these topsy-turvy times many, many things are taking longer than we're accustomed to.

fackers_2

Gateway Surveyors - assigned and completed within 3 days! Very very thorough... They do outsource it to the local person but that didn’t bother me

celloninja

Falafels said:

; if I were you I'd have a word with the seller and explain the situation. In these topsy-turvy times many, many things are taking longer than we're accustomed to.

This is great advice, thank you. Unfortunately the estate agent has said I'm unable to talk to the sellers directly. And as estate agents, they of course want to get everything through asap so were frustrated when i mentioned a potential September survey.

martindow

celloninja said:This is great advice, thank you. Unfortunately the estate agent has said I'm unable to talk to the sellers directly. And as estate agents, they of course want to get everything through asap so were frustrated when i mentioned a potential September survey.

The agent works for the vendor and of course they want to get their fee, so accept their advice with a pinch of salt.  If the above comments apply in your area and surveyors offer appointments in a months time so be it.  You will tell the agent the position and they will have to pass the message on and soothe the vendor.  Everyone wants to sell quickly but the steps have to be gone through and don't be bounced into rash decisions.

jaxkesa

I'm in a similar position and was today advised end of August by one and w/c 10th August at earliest by another. I booked the latter as solicitor is still doing enquires. Just hoping it isn't too long for the buyer.

steve866

I would ring round and find another. There must be someone available who can do it quicker. A lot can happen in a month and it adds risk to your purchase holding off.

Hannimal

My survey isn't until 14th August and it was instructed a week ago, so there will be delays. However, I am sure you can find someone who is quicker than this. Why not give a few surveyors a ring before you cancelled on the one you've instructed to see if anyone can do it quicker. 

Competsoph

I’ve just instructed my survey, 10th august earliest. In the grand scheme of things another 2 weeks ain’t that long so I’m not worried. That said, September is a bit of a joke. Go elsewhere!

NQManchester

I instructed nearly two weeks ago and they aren’t doing it till 12th August. Last time it was the same week so I think a lot are just incredibly busy.