HOME BUYERS SURVEYS
Home Buyers Surveys in Haringey, Islington, Barnet and throughout London
We offer 2 different House Surveys with optional property valuations. Please contact us for details and pricing. Pricing will vary depending on property size and location. We provide our clients with a high quality report by Chartered Surveyors and RICS Registered Valuers. It is in plain English and understandable.
RICS LEVEL 2 Home Buyer Survey with optional Valuation
This is the most common service and usually recommended for all property over 50 years old. It is a thorough visual inspection of the inside and outside of the property assessing roof space, damp, drainage, walls and floor.
The report comes in an easy-to-understand traffic light system rating the urgency of any repairs. It will also advice about any hazards and risks to the property or the people living in the property.
You can expect a detailed 30+ page report within 5 days of the Survey, detailing all the defects and things you should be aware of before making a huge purchase decision.
RICS LEVEL 3 Building Survey
The Level 3 Building Survey is our most comprehensive offering, designed to empower you with informed decisions when purchasing a property or planning for maintenance, repairs, or upgrades.
This thorough survey provides detailed insights into the property's condition, identifies potential or hidden defects, and offers expert advice on the most probable causes of these issues based on the inspection. Additionally, upon agreement, the survey includes estimates for repair costs and likely timescales.
This survey is particularly recommended for properties over 100 years old or those exhibiting a substantial number of defects. Its comprehensive nature ensures that you receive a comprehensive understanding of the property's condition, enabling you to make well-informed decisions about its future.
Whether you're a prospective buyer or a property owner planning maintenance, the Level 3 survey is a valuable tool for navigating property-related decisions.
Home Buyer Surveys FAQs
Here are some commonly asked questions regarding Home Buyer Surveys. Hopefully, these FAQs will answer any queries you have surrounding Home Buyer Surveys; if you have any further questions about Home Buyer Surveys, don't hesitate to contact us.
Do I need a Homebuyers Survey?
Conducting a Homebuyers Survey on a property will highlight any structural or cosmetic defects that could affect the price or your decision to continue with the purchase.
Although not a legal requirement, most mortgage lenders will insist on having a Homebuyers Survey before approving the mortgage.
Do I contact my lender to organise the Homebuyers Survey?
You do not need to contact your lender to organise a Homebuyers Survey. Usually, your lender will suggest or recommend certain companies to carry out the Survey.
Our advice is to go online and get a quote for your Survey – direct from a RICS certified professional that knows the area in which you are purchasing the property.
What type of Homebuyers Survey should I choose?
Choose a survey based on the age and condition of the property. Money spent on a comprehensive initial survey can save you a fortune in the future and help avoid expensive surprises after you've moved in.
There are three primary levels of Homebuyers Survey you can choose from. If you are buying an older flat or house, it is a good idea to conduct more than just a basic survey as it could uncover problems you may not expect.
The Level 2 Home Buyers survey is the preferred choice for most homebuyers as it offers a comprehensive examination of both the internal and external aspects of the building. This survey meticulously assesses the building's fabric and identifies any defects, making it especially recommended for those purchasing flats, leasehold, or share of freehold properties. For leaseholders and share of freeholders, understanding the condition of the property is crucial, even if they are not responsible for fabric maintenance. This knowledge is essential for anticipating any future service costs. Additionally, the survey is highly advisable for flats with accessible areas such as the loft or rear of the property.
A Building survey should be considered if the property is very old or unconventional in build. This is known as the RICS LEVEL 3 Building Survey – it is a very comprehensive detailed breakdown of the fabric and all the defects. Please get in touch with us for further information.
What is a RICS LEVEL 1 Condition Survey?
The RICS Condition Report describes the property's condition and identifies any risks and potential legal issues. It also highlights any urgent defects. It is most suitable for new-builds or conventional homes in good condition. No advice or valuation is provided.
The RICS Condition Report is a basic 'traffic light' survey; costs vary depending on the location and value of the property.
What is a RICS LEVEL 2 Homebuyers Survey?
A RICS Homebuyers Report will provide a more extensive visual inspection and commentary on the condition of the property, provide guidance to legal advisors, and help find out if there are any structural problems (subsidence or damp) or any other hidden issues – inside and outside. It also highlights any urgent defects and repair methods and provides ongoing maintenance advice. It is most suitable for conventional properties built within the last 100 years in a reasonable condition.
The RICS Homebuyers Report does not look behind the walls or beyond the floorboards.
The Survey can include a property valuation – to revise your offer if the Survey reveals a lower price than the mortgage lender's valuation. If no valuation is included – the Survey's suggestions for repairs can be used to renegotiate the price.
What is a RICS LEVEL 3 Building Survey?
The most comprehensive Survey provides the same as the Homebuyers Survey but is tailored to suit your property. Most suitable for larger, older properties, those in poor condition or if planning extensive works or alteration. The Survey can include cost estimates of remedial work according to client requirements and specific written instructions. If required, we can recommend an alternative Surveyor for this Survey; please get in touch with us for further details.
How long does a Homebuyers Survey take?
The onsite Survey can take approximately 2-3 hours, depending on the size of the property. The write up of the Survey usually takes up to 4-6 hours.
When will I receive my Survey?
Typically, you should receive your Survey within five working days.
I need a Survey urgently this week – is this achievable?
Tollington Surveyors usually responds to queries within 24 hours – please let us know if your query is urgent when contacting us, and we will do our best to complete it as soon as possible.
How much does a Homebuyers Survey cost?
Homebuyers Surveys vary in price depending on the location and size of the property. Generally, prices start at around £450.
Is a Homebuyers or Building Survey worth it?
Yes, conducting a RICS Home Buyers survey or a RICS Building Survey is advisable to gain a comprehensive understanding of a property's condition, particularly for older properties or those with potential issues, providing valuable insights for informed decision-making, negotiation, and long-term investment considerations.
