Why do I need a survey?

This is the most basic ‘proper’ survey you can get, giving an overview of the property’s condition and highlighting significant issues, but it does not go into detail.  It uses a traffic light rating for the condition of different parts of the property.  If you are buying a relatively new property, with no previous issues, and are simply looking for reassurance, then this survey would be suitable.

This is more detailed than a condition report and highlights particular problems, such as damp and subsidence.  It includes advice on necessary repairs and ongoing maintenance and points out anything that doesn’t meet current building regulations. 

The inspection is non-intrusive, meaning the surveyor will not look behind furniture or under floorboards, so they will only be able to identify ‘surface-level’ problems. 

It generally includes a market valuation and rebuild cost, taking around two to four hours to complete.

This is the most popular type of survey and the standard choice for most properties that are in a reasonable condition.  If you’re buying an unusual or period property, or one that requires significant renovation, we would recommend you upgrade to a building survey.

The most thorough survey you can get, this survey provides a comprehensive analysis of the structure and condition of the property, listing defects and advice on repairs and maintenance in full. 

The surveyor will be ‘hands on’ and will do things such as check the attic and look under floorboards.  You can ask for the report to include projected costs and timings for any repair work and depending on the size of the property it may take a day to complete. 

This survey is a good option if you are buying a property that's over 50 years old or in a poor condition.  It is also worthwhile if you’re planning to do significant work or have major concerns about the property.  This particular survey is usually only undertaken on houses, not flats.

This is carried out on your mortgage lender’s behalf, not your own, even though you may be required to pay for it and are usually requested by your lender before they make a formal mortgage offer.  This survey will confirm to the lender whether the property you wish to buy is approximately worth the amount you are looking to pay for it, so they can decide whether to lend you the amount you’re asking for. 

Although it’s often referred to as a valuation ‘survey’, it will not tell you anything about the condition of the property.  

This survey identifies defects with a new-build home covering everything from small cosmetic issues to structural problems. The report can be given to your developer before you move into the property so you can get any issues sorted as quickly as possible under your two-year developer warranty.  We would recommend paying for this survey if you are buying a new-build home.