Do I need to pay for an extra survey in addtion to searches & valuation?

laurajacq1209

Hello, first time buyer here! 

I am in the process of buying a house and have recieved back the searches. Nothing is screaming out that it is a problem but my solitor has advised that all clients should get addtion surveys carried out..? The house is a 1900's terraced style with no obivious issues but wondering what the report will tell me? Will I regret not getting one done? looking over over £600 for it.. Kicking myself as I didn't realise this was part of the 'process' as I had the basic valuation carried out and then the searches so didn't realise there was more! 

any help would be great thanks

Newbie_John

Have you done the home buyer report?

£600 is actually quite low amount of money compared to any major issues possibly hiding in the building - let's say the search finds out major problems with a roof - replacing it could cost thousands pounds.. having a independent person review gives you some additional knowledge and if there are problems you can resign or even ask to lower the price.

We also weren't sure if the house from 1990 needed it but it revealed a lot of things we as first time buyers had no idea to look for.

Your one is 1900, a lot could have broken since..

Tabieth

I’ve just bought a 1920 terrace house and I got a full structural survey (I forget the correct term for it). I paid around £700 and it was money well spent. It picked up in the things I already knew (previous rising damp), as well as a couple of more minor / moderate things I hadn’t noticed. It didn’t put me off buying in any way but helped identify what I needed to do. More importantly, it provided me with reassurance that there wasn’t anything majorly structurally wrong with the house. It put my mind at rest. 

Apart from a few specific situations (e.g. the buyer is an expert themselves, the history of the house is well known) I wouldn’t dream of making such a major purchase without getting a survey. Especially for a house of that age. If the survey finds something major, you can reduce your offer or walk away, if it doesn’t then that’s reassuring knowledge. Win win. 

theartfullodger

You can buy with no survey at all.. Not even go inside the place. (I did that, bought a 2-bed terrace at auction having only driven past.. Owned in 20+ years, worked out well - but I knew it was a gamble and - aged mid-50s - could afford the risks).

Your decision, your gamble, your risks....your possible big losses...  But FTB - get a survey.  And take anyone you know who's a builder, keen DIY-er or sensible person who's had a few houses (ie old) round to have a look.  Buy them lunch at least.

p00hsticks

You'll probably get a lot of caveats - things they can't inspect because they can't pull carpets up, access lofts etc...
And also a load of recommendations to get e.g. damp proof companies, electricians, roofers in for additional opinions...

But for a 1920's house as a FTB, I'd get at least some form of survey...

dander

I have very little respect for surveyors and surveyors and in many cases would argue they are a total waste of money. However, if you are as green about property that you didn't even know a survey was a thing, I am going to make a big assumption that you don't have the knowledge or experience of buildings to be able to sensibly spot any issues for yourself. So I would strongly recommend you get the survey.
However, don't panic when you get the results - as above you will find there's a lot in it that will sound like problems and that list all kinds of extra surveys you need, but you don't really. Come back to a forum like this and post any parts of the survey that you don't understand or that worry you and people will help you make sense of what matters.

Yorkie1

The valuation is essentially for your mortgage lender's benefit - is the property, in its current condition, worth what they are lending.

I would definitely get your own survey, whether homebuyers or structural.

Albermarle

However, don't panic when you get the results - as above you will find there's a lot in it that will sound like problems and that list all kinds of extra surveys you need, but you don't really. Come back to a forum like this and post any parts of the survey that you don't understand or that worry you and people will help you make sense of what matters.

In the meantime you could read through this forum, as FTB's worried about the results of a survey are a regular feature, so you will get a flavour of what to expect.