When buying a house, its important to take advantage of professional and independent advice from a RICS member. Your home is likely to be one of the biggest investments you will ever make and so it makes good sense to have a survey before you buy. It could save you thousands of pounds in repair bills. Surveys are a way of giving the prospective purchase a “health check”. They help you make an informed decision of whether to purchase the property and, if so, for how much.

We offer three levels of report (click for more details):

1. Private Valuation
2. RICS homebuyer Survey and Valuation
3. Building Survey

See also:
Other Residential Valuation Services

Private Valuation

This is not a survey, it’s a valuation intended to provide an independent opinion as to the market value of the property. Whilst there is a small “condition” section in the report, the inspection is limited, and therefore is unlikely to cover items of detail which would be picked up when carrying out a survey.

A valuation includes:

• Details of the property and construction
• A brief statement on condition of the property
• Identify possible repairs required
• Market Value of the property
• Insurance reinstatement cost
  This is considered suitable for “cash” purchases where there are no concerns on condition.

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RICS Homebuyer Survey and Valuation

A Homebuyers Survey and Valuation (HSV) is a survey mainly suited to properties of conventional construction, built within the last 150 years. The report is produced in a set format, highlighting any urgent repairs required, maintenance considerations, further investigations, and any legal issues.

The HSV will report on the following:

• General condition of the elements of construction
• Significant defects which may affect value
• Urgent repairs or matters which require further investigation or specialist reports
• Comments on dampness in walls and timbers, woodworm, rot
• Comments on insulation and drainage
• Recommended reinstatement costs for building insurance purposes
• An opinion of the Market Value of the property

The HSV will comment on accessible areas of the property only. The services are not tested although there is a comment on the visual condition.

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Building Survey

A “Building Survey” or “Building Condition Survey” is a comprehensive visual inspection of all accessible parts of the property. The report is base on the surveyor’s own format and can be adjusted to meet individual requirements.

The survey includes:

• All minor and major defects and any implications of them
• Reporting of dampness, timber defects, insulation, drainage etc
• Extensive information on the construction of the property and materials used
• Comments on the services (not tested)
• Any recommendations on further specialist reports

A Building Survey does not include a valuation, but this could be arranged with the surveyor, if required. This type of survey is mainly suitable for:

• Listed buildings
• Older properties
• Buildings of unusual construction
• Properties considered for renovation or alteration
• Properties that have been previously altered

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Other Residential Valuation Services

• Probate Valuations
• Matrimonial Valuations
• Valuations for taxation purposes
• Development Appraisals
• Valuations for secured lending purposes

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