Viewing a houseFAQS

Make sure you get the right surveyor

My mortgage company’s arranged a valuation. Do I still need a survey?

Yes, in most cases. A valuation isn’t a real survey and is for the benefit of the mortgage company, although you still have to pay for it.

What sort of survey do I need?

If the house was built after 1930 and is of standard construction, you generally need a homebuyer’s survey, costing about £500. This should point to any defects or problems that are significant or that need attention.

If the property is older than this, not of standard construction, in poor condition or in need of major renovation, you may need a structural building survey. This is more detailed and should include extensive technical information, as well as pointing out any major or minor defects. It is more expensive than a homebuyer’s survey.

Either of these surveys can recommend that you have a specialist survey, which will examine a specific aspect of the property.

Is there anything that a survey won’t tell me?

While there are some problems only a surveyor can identify, there are lots of smaller things they won’t be checking for, such as the number of plug sockets. 

They will only assess on the day (if it’s sunny, they won’t be able to tell you about any leaks). 

They also won’t move furniture or look under carpets, though if they suspect something they should investigate further.

How do I choose a good surveyor?

Get three quotes and use someone registered with the Royal Institute of Chartered Surveyors. 

Don’t automatically go with the lender’s offer to extend a valuation report to a survey – they don’t always take as much time as an independent surveyor would give. 

If you suspect there’s a problem, such as damp, then tell the surveyor.