Articles
- February 2018
To survey or not to survey - that is the questionMany clients ask us whether a survey is necessary, which survey they should go for and the difference between a valuation and a full survey.
Dealing with the difference, a valuation is merely for the benefit of your lender and usually takes thirty minutes. It doesn’t give you a detailed report on the property itself but just gives enough information to allow the lender to make an informed decision on whether the property is suitable to lend on.
A Homebuyers Survey is the most common survey and will point out defects to the property, need for repairs, further action, safety issues and will help you avoid nasty surprises once you have purchased the property. The Homebuyers’ Survey also includes a valuation and insurance reinstatement value.
The Building Survey is a much more detailed report which is advisable for old buildings, listed buildings or remote properties which are out of the ordinary. They are thorough but slightly more expensive.
The Homebuyers’ Survey or Building Survey should be sent to your solicitor who can then draw on any legal points which are brought up, for example lack of access, building work which could have been carried out without permission or possible breaches of covenants.
It is very important to have a survey and not just rely on your lender’s valuation. The peace of mind outweighs the cost. “Buyer beware”.
For further information please contact Sam Alvin or Becky Grimsey by email (sam.alvin@jackamans.co.uk or rebecca.grimsey@jackamans.co.uk) or call 01473 255591.
back to articles...
