Type of Survey

Pat38493

We are trying to buy a house that is a pretty old semi-detached house at the outside (conservation area), but has been gutted and completely modernized and extended on the inside by the present owner, who purchased the property specifically to do it up and sell it.

A friend said that they wouldn't bother with a level 3 structural survey for that type of purchase, as there should be recent building regs certificates for all the work that was done in the last year.

Does this make sense or is it always better to go for level 3 full structural survey?  I'm not sure what additional protection it actually give me versus a level 2 survey..  It seems like the additional cost of level 2 versus 3 is not much on the quotes I have seen.

FreeBear

Pat38493 said:

We are trying to buy a house that is a pretty old semi-detached house at the outside (conservation area), but has been gutted and completely modernized and extended on the inside by the present owner, who purchased the property specifically to do it up and sell it.

A friend said that they wouldn't bother with a level 3 structural survey for that type of purchase, as there should be recent building regs certificates for all the work that was done in the last year.

Does this make sense or is it always better to go for level 3 full structural survey?  I'm not sure what additional protection it actually give me versus a level 2 survey..  It seems like the additional cost of level 2 versus 3 is not much on the quotes I have seen.

So house was purchased by a flipper - Good chance that it is just a thin veneer to make things look pretty and corners have been cut.

House a few doors down was purchased in 2017 for £215K. Gutted, rewired, chimney & fireplaces removed, replastered, and new kitchen fitted. Went back on the market six months later for £320K (well above average price for the area). Eventually sold in 2019 for £285K. New owner has uncovered loads of bodges and spent a considerable amount fixing stuff that should have been done right in the first place.

I would recommend a detailed survey, although it won't uncover the hidden bodges, it should point to areas that need closer inspection. Not all internal works require Building Regs sign off, so don't expect too much in that respect. However, some works on properties in conservation areas do need planning applications, especially if they affect the outside (notably windows). So check the council's planning portal to see what applications have been made.