Getting a survey on a property

Before buying a property, you'll need to get a survey done - our guide outlines your options
How to choose which of the four types of survey is right for you, and how much it'll cost
Find out why it’s important to get a different survey from your mortgage provider’s
Why new-build properties need surveys too

It’s a scary fact that nearly 80% of buyers don’t check that their property is safe or what work needs doing. Many people also assume that no survey is needed with a new build. However, since new builds average about 80 defects, a specialist ‘snagging’ survey is essential.

Why you need a survey

Don't rely on the mortgage valuation report

As a buyer, you pay for a mortgage valuation report (MVR) in order to secure a mortgage offer, but this should not be confused with a survey. The MVR merely confirms to the lender that the property is worth at least what they are loaning you – it is not their responsibility to point out any repairs that need doing.

The mortgage lender (or another surveyor) can do an independent survey, but you will have to pay for this.

Home information packs

The home information pack (Hip) will provide some of the information you need, including the property’s energy efficiency, which is shown on the Energy Performance Certificate (EPC). Anything rated A to C is above the UK average.

If you're a seller...

If you're a seller, it may be worthwhile to have a survey done yourself. If there are any problems with your house, this will give you a chance to fix them; or if your property gets the all clear, the report can be used to show buyers what great condition your property is in.

Types of survey

Surveys should be done by a surveyor who is a member of the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors. There are four types of survey that a buyer can purchase.

Homebuyer’s report

Average cost £300-£500

This covers structural safety and highlights problems, including damp, as well as anything that doesn’t meet current building regulations. It takes two to four hours to complete, giving an independent and expert view on the property’s value.

New build snagging survey

Average cost £200-£500

This is a specialist survey for new builds that will pick up mistakes such as plumbing the hot to the cold tap or poorly finished paintwork. Your independent inspector will also be able to arrange for the developer to sort out any defects found.

Home condition report

Average cost £300-500

This was originally to be included in the Hip and paid for by the seller. While it didn’t become a compulsory part of the pack, sellers can still volunteer to pay for this report, reassuring buyers as to the condition of the property.

In some cases it can be passed to the buyer’s mortgage company, saving you the cost of a mortgage valuation and possibly speeding up the sale.

The report is similar to a Homebuyer’s report, but also includes an EPC (although this should have already been supplied via the Hip if you're a buyer), health and safety risks in the home including gas and electricity supplies, and local problems such as the likelihood of flooding or subsidence.

Home condition reports can be carried out by a home inspector trained to VRQ level 4 in home inspection.

Building survey

Average cost £500-£1,000

This survey is for older properties and those of a non-standard construction (eg timber). It usually takes a day to complete, depending on the size of the property.

A building survey gives a detailed report on the condition of the property and assesses the cost of repairing any problems discovered, but it's a good idea to confirm these costings with tradesmen.

For more information on surveying a property, see 'Buy, Sell and Move House' by Kate Faulkner.