HomeBuyer Report vs Building Survey

proformance

Hi guys
I was originally advised I needed a HomeBuyer Report, but upon evaluation, a particular surveyor has ruled a HomeBuyer out as it is a ground floor flat of a Victorian conversion, and apparently, over 100 years old.
Is this accurate?
Thanks!

Z

davidmcn

Yes, if it's Victorian then it's over 100 years old

What do you mean by "ruled out"? You can get a homebuyer's report if you want. Not sure all that many buyers would investigate further (especially as the surveyor may well not have access to all the relevant parts of the building anyway).

Lespaul1960

I would have thought it was entirely up to you. However I think most people would go with a building survey for a Victorian property. 

AdrianC

The surveyor is simply saying "I don't think an HBR is appropriate for this kind of property - you would be well advised to get something more detailed"

Your choice is simple...
1. Take his advice.
2. Decline his advice and get an HBR done anyway...
2a. ...by that surveyor.
2b. ...by a different surveyor.

Your lender may, of course, not agree with your choice.

Just... if you do go for an HBR, consider how much you're saving, and consider the potential costs of the HBR missing something a more detailed survey may find.

proformance

Good feedback as always.
I just wanted to double-check. I#ll go with the full building survey,
Another related question then - Are these reports fairly standard in nature? I.e. some have said "we provide photos".. Is that a non-standard luxury then?

Lespaul1960

I think I am right in saying that a full building survey is bespoke in nature but the HBR is a pro former..

yllop1101

RICS outline a standard for building surveys and homebuyers report. Most companies will send you a template example for what you can expect. Some use the risk/traffic light system a little differently. 

I paid for a full building survey for a victorian terrace, although am a tad frustrated as it just highlighted things that warrant further investigation, rather than conclusively saying 'there is an issue with X', e.g. 'potential woodworm in loft rafter- get checked by a specialist as to whether it's active'. I would have thought they did this, whereas a homebuyer report was more vague. That may be a misunderstanding on my part though.
Anyway, I think having a discussion with the surveyor about realistically given it's a flat, how much extra things do they think they're going to be able to investigate given the access limitations. 

Tracet74

You have to consider you will have natural limitations to any surveyor's inspection, such as either not getting into the roof void or to the rear of the property, dependent on whereabouts within the building the actual flat is located.