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What survey to do?

I'm currently in the process of buying my first home. As this is happening as part of a divorce it's been a very stressful time, so apologies if this is an obvious question but I don't really have anyone to ask.
When the mortgage offer was given the mortgage lender just did a basic valuation without actually viewing the property. I thought I'd be able to do a homebuyers report as part of the mortgage offer but this isn't the case.
I've been given quotes of around £500 for a RICS level 2 survey. Is this necessary or mandatory? The house is a 3 bed semi, approx 50 years old, seemed in good condition and well looked after at the viewings. Purchase price of £225k (north-west England). I'm not sure how much a survey would tell me as I know they can be somewhat vague so as to cover their backs! Money is very tight at the moment but obviously don't want to do something stupid to save a few quid! Any advise for a confused first time buyer? Thanks.

Comments

  • Slithery
    Slithery Posts: 6,046 Forumite
    Eighth Anniversary 1,000 Posts Name Dropper Photogenic
    jocstoke said:
    ...seemed in good condition...
    What experience do you have in surveying properties?
  • sidneyvic
    sidneyvic Posts: 164 Forumite
    100 Posts Name Dropper
    Yes it would be money well spent. Will almost definitely throw something up such as electrics being out if date but don't panic most electrics are out of current regs, 
  • trakky14
    trakky14 Posts: 398 Forumite
    Eighth Anniversary 100 Posts Name Dropper Combo Breaker
    Definitely at least a level 2, to be honest level 3 if you plan on extending or changing anything etc in the future. We've only not bothered for a new build but everything else has been at least level 2. 
  • snowqueen555
    snowqueen555 Posts: 1,567 Forumite
    Part of the Furniture 1,000 Posts Name Dropper Combo Breaker
    edited 18 July 2022 at 12:02AM
    You should definitely get one. The biggest problem I have found is finding a good one as there are a lot that have poor reviews and do the bare minimum, but the really good ones are in high demand and charge a lot.
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