Home Buyers & Buildings Surveys

"What type of survey do we need?"

There are two main surveys to choose from, either the RICS Homebuyer And Valuation Survey or the more detailed Building Survey, which used to be called a Structural Survey.

"What will it cost?"

As a guide the cost of a RICS Homebuyer Survey is only about twice that of a mortgage valuation, which shows how much better value for money it is to instruct your own private surveyor.

A Building Survey, which involves a much longer inspection, costs about 50% more, to cover the extra surveyor time, at the property, producing the report and in explanatory discussions with you.

Indeed we expect to discuss either report with you, our client(s), whichever survey or private valuation we carry out. The report and survey is, after all, for you. We do not discuss your survey and report with anyone else unless you instruct us to. You pay the bill not the vendor, or the Estate Agent. We work directly for you. We will discuss any points with your other advisors, such as your solicitor, should it be appropriate.

"How do I make the decision?"

The Royal Insitution of Chartered Surveyors drew up the Homebuyers Survey format, in conjunction with the Law Society and Consumers' Association, their advise can be found here.