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 1 Condition Survey
This is essentially a condition survey and suited for relatively new properties. Basic information on the overall condition of the property will be provided.
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.
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.
Most Homebuyers opt for a valuation and Survey together. This report is the RICS LEVEL 2 Homebuyers Survey with a valuation. A structural survey should be considered if the property is very old or unconventional in build. This is known as the RICS LEVEL 3 Building Survey – we currently do not offer this, but we can recommend another local Surveyor to conduct this if required; 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 includes the building surveyor's 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 Survey can take approximately 2-4 hours, depending on the size of the property.
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 £350.
Are the FREE Homebuyers Surveys worth it?
A free Homebuyers Survey is often conducted by companies that will also carry out any required remedial works. This produces biased, partial and over-inflated reporting and is not recommended. Instructing a professional RICS-qualified independent surveying company – such as Tollington Surveyors is much better!
