Surveyor when buying a flat

ahfat41

How do you chose a surveyor if buying a flat? No idea who to go with do you search for one online or ask EA to recommend one?  What kind of survery?  Will  a building survey a bit over the top for a one bed flat in London?  Thanks

cattie

Just google local surveyors if you don't know anybody to recommend one. Often ea's will get a kick back from recommending a surveyor so I'd avoid that.  It does sometimes work out cheaper to ask the lenders surveyor to do a homebuyers survey at the same time as they do the mortgage valuation. You can't get a buildings survey for a flat, just a homebuyer's survey.

eddddy

ahfat41 said:

How do you chose a surveyor if buying a flat? No idea who to go with do you search for one online or ask EA to recommend one?  What kind of survery?  Will  a building survey a bit over the top for a one bed flat in London?  Thanks

You will be responsible for contributing to the repairs and maintenance of the building.


So, for example, if major roof repairs will be required in the next year or two  - that cost, say, £40k and there are 4 flats - each flat owner would be required to pay £10k.


So maybe it makes sense to ask a surveyor to give their opinion on the condition of the building as a whole. But the surveyor won't be able to access all parts of the building, so their feedback might be limited.

NameUnavailable

I'm buying a (purpose built) flat and won't bother with a survey. The building is in good condition and there's nothing to make me think that there might be any issues.

If it's an older or conversion flat and you don't feel confident in your own assessment then get a home buyer report.

They will still tell you to get separate reports on things like damp/timber/gas/electrics etc.