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What survey to do?

jocstoke
Posts: 105 Forumite


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.
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.
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Comments
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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,0
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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 2.0
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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.0
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