Tips for First-Time Buyers
- Tollington Surveyors
- Jun 18
- 2 min read
Tips for First-Time Buyers
Buying your first home can feel daunting, especially when you open your survey report and see pages of details and defects. Try not to be alarmed — our job is to highlight everything visible within the remit of a RICS survey, so you know exactly what you’re buying.
A straightforward way to make sense of your report is to focus on the key W’s:
What’s there — the parts of the property we can see and comment on.
What it’s made of — the materials used in the construction.
What’s wrong with it — any defects or issues noted.
Where it is — the exact location of the defect.
When it should be sorted out — whether it needs immediate attention or can be planned for later.
Don’t hesitate to ask us questions. You’re the one buying the property, so you need to know exactly what’s involved. We come from a property management background, which makes us a little different — we don’t just list problems; we give you practical, realistic tips on how to manage them and when they should be addressed.
The report is there to highlight visible defects and advise you on any further documents or specialist inspections you may need. We do not review legal documents, so any legal risks or obligations should be clarified through your solicitor.
After reading your report, take a moment to ask yourself:
How much will it cost to put this right?
Does it affect my decision to buy?
Should I renegotiate the price or ask the seller to fix it first?
Is this something I’m prepared to manage long term?
Could this issue affect me immediately after moving in?
Is it something the seller should be held responsible for before completion?
Most Victorian and Edwardian homes across North London — especially in areas like Crouch End, Islington, Finsbury Park, Muswell Hill, Hornsey, and Tottenham — will have some age-related issues. This is entirely normal. What matters is understanding what the issue is, whether it can be dealt with, and when.
Also remember: when a home is furnished and occupied, some parts will always be hidden. It’s simply not practical to see every corner before you own it, so there is always a small element of risk — but a good survey helps reduce surprises later on.
If you’re buying in North London and need a RICS Level 2 HomeBuyer Survey or a RICS Level 3 Building Survey, we’re here to help. We only work in North London and know these buildings inside out — so you’ll get sensible, realistic advice rather than pages of jargon.
Please feel free to contact us if you’d like a quotation or have any questions about your survey — we’re always here to help.
Tollington Surveyors is a small, locally-focused surveying company based in Stroud Green, and dedicated to serving the Haringey area. Learn more >
