Buyer presence during survey

RexItaliae

Hi all,

When I told the estate agent that I asked for quotes for surveyors (who will have to contact her to get to the sellers and book an appointment), and I said I'll want to be present, she replied that it's not "normal practice" for the buyer to be there, the sellers will be present but surveyors do not like this option and she does not recommend it.

I'm a first time buyer so I don't have any experience with this, hence why I'm asking you. To me it makes little sense: I'm paying for a service (Level 2 survey, it's a 60-year-old flat) and I can't even be present when it takes place, while the sellers can? Obviously since it's their current home I'd expect them to be there, but their interest goes against mine in terms of what the surveyor will write in their report. Do I have to just have faith in the surveyor?
Thank you all in advance.

user1977

Why do you want to be there? The EA is correct in saying it isn't normal practice. What you rely on is your surveyor's report.

Schwarzwald

i wasnt present at my surveys. surveyor clearly preferred to do their work on their own. reports were good and v helpful.

Albermarle

 Do I have to just have faith in the surveyor?

Yes you do.

DullGreyGuy

RexItaliae said:

Hi all,

When I told the estate agent that I asked for quotes for surveyors (who will have to contact her to get to the sellers and book an appointment), and I said I'll want to be present, she replied that it's not "normal practice" for the buyer to be there, the sellers will be present but surveyors do not like this option and she does not recommend it.

I'm a first time buyer so I don't have any experience with this, hence why I'm asking you. To me it makes little sense: I'm paying for a service (Level 2 survey, it's a 60-year-old flat) and I can't even be present when it takes place, while the sellers can? Obviously since it's their current home I'd expect them to be there, but their interest goes against mine in terms of what the surveyor will write in their report. Do I have to just have faith in the surveyor?
Thank you all in advance.

It's not normal practice and to be honest its the Surveyor you are going to have to convince that they are comfortable with this rather than the estate agent or seller.  Its realistically going to extend the time it takes to do the survey as you will ask questions and they'll have to explain why they've done something a certain way etc etc and so sensibly they'll either decline the job or charge you more for the extra time. 

propertyrental

RexItaliae said:

 Do I have to just have faith in the surveyor?
Thank you all in advance.

If you don't have faith, then either find a different surveyor or rely on your own inspection of the peoperty.

The EA is right - it is not normal practice for a buyer to accompany the surveyor. I would go further. Few surveyors will undertake the survey with a buyer looking over their shoulder, pointing out things that they (the buyer) has seen (and so almost certainly has the survey), asking questions thus interrupting the surveyor and doubling the time the survey takes.

You'll get a written report. It is perfectly acceptable to ring up after reviewing it for clarification of anything ambiguous or that you don't understand. Some surveyors (the better ones) will happily talk through the report whilst others (especially those employed by a low-price firm which relies on volume rather than price for their income/profit) will not have time/have limited time to talk to you.

It's worth asking the surveyor before instructing them whether they will discuss the report if need be.

prettyandfluffy

Why do you want to be there? You're paying for their professional opinion which will be given to you as a report.  The buyer will have no influence over the survey but may be required for reasons of access etc.  

theartfullodger

You can ask for whatever you like (eg attend and get coffee & biscuits).. Agent & vendor can insist on whatever they like .

The whole thing is a negotiation: Negotiation training talks about establishing good relationships.  Have you dropped into their office, explained how wonderful they appear and you're dead keen, ready to move fast, finance lined up, flexible on dates, and will offer a bottle of champagne if it goes through (eg.. many other options are available..)???

ProDave

It might not be normal practice, but it makes perfect sense.  When the surveyor finds an issue he could show the buyer (his client) exactly what the issue is.  This saves the buyer having to ponder or worry if it is something serious or not.  I can't understand why this is not normal.

user1977

ProDave said:

It might not be normal practice, but it makes perfect sense.  When the surveyor finds an issue he could show the buyer (his client) exactly what the issue is.  This saves the buyer having to ponder or worry if it is something serious or not.  I can't understand why this is not normal.

How many of your clients would you like to have breathing down your neck while you try to do your job?

I have in the past been offered by a surveyor to meet them at the end of their appointment, so they could point out anything of interest. But being there through the whole thing would be a bit weird.

oldernonethewiser

ProDave said:

It might not be normal practice, but it makes perfect sense.  When the surveyor finds an issue he could show the buyer (his client) exactly what the issue is.  This saves the buyer having to ponder or worry if it is something serious or not.  I can't understand why this is not normal.

I can understand why it is normal.

Makes no sense to me to have a client hovering over a surveyor while they are trying to go about their work.