"Competitively priced service, the agent I dealt with was very helpful. On the day of the survey itself I received a call from the surveyor to run through his initial findings. The quality of the report produced was excellent, very detailed and thorough. If needed I will be using SAM Conveyancing's services again in the future for sure."
National Coverage
Panel of RICS Surveyors
Same week availability*
Cost from £400 EXC VAT
Reports in 5 Days**
Defects flagged in a Lancaster Home Buyers Survey
Local Tip 1
If you're considering buying a property in Lancaster's locale, getting an Environmental Search Report, one of the main property conveyancing searches, is an important way to find out if there are environmental issues which might affect your enjoyment of the dwelling.
A recent such report, bought for a property in Green Close, Hornby, Lancaster LA2 8JN revealed the following:
- A surface water flooding risk within 25 metres;
- Existing or proposed wind farms or wind turbines within 4km; and
- A coal mining affected area within 25 metres
among other matters. Flooding risks often translate into larger insurance premiums (as well as the risk of real upheaval from an actual flooding event); coal mining areas often have issues regarding ground stability and wind farms can detract from the enjoyment of a property because of their visual impact and potential for noise pollution.
Local Tip 2
Some properties in and around Lancaster might be affected by previous coal mining works because this mining activity used to be widespread in the area.
If you're looking to buy a property in the area using a mortgage, your lender might make it a condition of any loan that you purchase a Coal Mining Search to help establish whether the dwelling is likely to be affected by such historic mining activity.
Local Tip 3
According to the UK Government's Public Health England, Lancaster is in a raised Radon area, with properties built there having a higher probability than average of experiencing ground radon emissions.
Properties built in streets such as Blades Street and Lindow Square are built on ground which has a maximum radon potential of 5 - 10%, which means that they have a higher than normal chance of being affected by radon emissions.
Types of property in Lancaster?
Lancaster's architecture offers a fair variety, with older properties 'rubbing shoulders' with more modern developments up to the present day.
There are Roman baths visible near the junction of Bridge Lane and Church Street and Lancaster Castle dates back to the 11th century. Lancaster Friends Meeting House dates from 1708 and many buildings in the city centre and along St George's Quay date back to the 19th century, Bowerham Barracks were completed in 1880 and the Phoenix Street drill hall was completed in 1894. The Ashton Memorial in Williamson Park was built in the Edwardian era, between 1907 and 1909.
The Bowerham Council Estate in Scotforth was begun in 1920 and consists of semi-detached (such as in Palatine Road) and terraced properties which are reasonably varied with 'no two gables alike'. The Newton Estate was begun from 1923 and mainly consists of reasonably standard construction properties with some larger parlour type houses. The Mount Pleasant Estate was built between 1927 and 1930 with, once again, reasonably varied styles of semi-detached and terraced properties. Other estates built around the same time include the Ryelands Council Estate and the Marsh Estate.
There are any number of more recently-built properties and additionally a fair number of new build developments.
Why Choose Sam Conveyancing for your Home Survey?
After 10 years of helping over 30,000 clients we've learned alot about surveys in Lancaster using our panel of over 100 Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS). Your Lancaster surveyor will be local to your property so whether you're worried about subsidence, damp, infestations, extensions or even the just for peace of mind, we've got you covered.
Our HomeBuyers Survey costs are fixed and competitive as you'll see from all our Excellent reviews on Trustpilot. This means you don't have to break the bank to get a full health check on your new home. Get a Home Buyer Survey Quote today or if you're not sure which survey to choose and want to know the difference between a Level 2 Home Survey and a Level 3 Building Survey, then give us a call and we'll happily tell you what you need - 0161 850 7159 (local call charges apply).
What defects are flagged in a Homebuyer's Survey?
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Cracks/Subsidence
Cracks are inspected and in the report will confirm if you need a structural engineer as there are signs of historical or current movement.
Find out more - What is subsidence and how do you spot it?
Damp
The RICS surveyor will use a moisture meter in the rooms and report any high levels along with any mould or damp causing damage to the walls/windows.
Find out more - What is rising damp?
Wood Rot
The wooden door frames and windows will be inspected for rotting and wood worm.
Find out more - What to do with a Rotten Window Frame?
Infestations
The surveyor looks for signs of infestations through droppings, damage to piping/flooring and in some cases finding where the nest is.
Find out more - Can You Sell A House With Rodents?
Japanese Knotweed
The surveyor will check the grounds of the property and, where possible, check over the fences to neighbouring plots to identify if there is a risk of Japanese knotweed.
Find out more - Do surveyors check for Japanese knotweed?
Drains and Manhole Covers
The surveyor lifts up accessible man hole covers to check if the drains are blocked. You may need to get your drains inspected with CCTV.
Find out more - Should You Get a CCTV Drain Survey When Buying a House?
Roof and Loft Space
The surveyor will enter into the roof/loft space if there is a safe and accessible ladder. They'll look for insulation, signs of leaking and and damage.
Find out more - What is a roof survey?
A Level 2 HomeBuyers Report is for newer, conventional properties. A Level 3 Building Survey is for a comprehensive analysis, for older or larger properties.
For conventional properties, a HomeBuyers Survey is invaluable. Identified defects can be used as leverage during price negotiations with the seller and can save 1000s of pounds.
Average Cost of Building Surveyor in Lancaster
The cost varies depending on the size and condition of the property, with the average cost of our HomeBuyers Survey starting at £400 EXC VAT. The average cost of a Building Survey is higher. Our fixed fees start at £500 EXC VAT.
To ensure accuracy, we utilise Rightmove or Zoopla to assess the property type, guaranteeing a fixed quote tailored to your needs. For guidance on choosing the right survey, contact our survey specialists at 0161 850 7159.
Download an Example Level 2 and Level 3 Home Survey
Frequently Asked Questions: Homebuyers Survey Lancaster
You don't need to contact your lender to arrange a HomeBuyer Survey in Lancaster. While they may recommend specific survey companies, we advise obtaining a quote online directly from a RICS-certified professional familiar with your property's locality, ensuring a comprehensive HomeBuyers Survey quote.
Typically, home buyers and investors request a Valuation and a Survey simultaneously, which is encompassed in our RICS HomeBuyers Report. For older or unconventional properties, consider a Level 3 Building Survey. Get your online quote for a property survey from our experienced house surveyors in Lancaster now.
A standard HomeBuyers Survey in Lancaster takes approximately 3.5 hours, including local travel, property visitation, and report generation at the office.
With national coverage across England and Wales, including Lancaster, our back-office systems enable us to identify available RICS surveyors, even outside your locality. If you need a survey carried out urgently, our knowledge, contacts, and systems allow us to find you the best RICS surveyor at the most competitive cost.
We’re committed to equipping you with the necessary tools, information, and pricing to make informed decisions. You'll get a same day call with your Lancaster RICS Surveyor to discuss your survey, as part of our service to you. You'll always receive full contact details of your RICS Chartered Surveyor when arranging with us.
We offer professional and comprehensive HomeBuyers Survey services in Lancaster. Our RICS-certified professionals know the local property market intimately. Get an instant online price quote for a survey from our experienced house surveyors in Lancaster:
The cost of a HomeBuyers Survey varies depending on the type and size of the property, among other factors. At SAM Conveyancing, the average cost for our HomeBuyers Survey in Lancaster starts from £400 EXC VAT. Remember, a survey could save you significant money in the long run by identifying potential issues early.
Absolutely. Our team at SAM Conveyancing provides a thorough HomeBuyers Survey checklist, guiding you through what our surveyors will inspect. This includes the property's interior and exterior condition and advice on necessary repairs or potential problems.
We understand that sometimes surveys are urgent. While a typical survey takes around 3.5 hours, a Level 3 building survey will often take longer as it is a more thorough inspection. We pride ourselves on our national coverage and extensive network. Even for urgent requests, we strive to find you the best RICS surveyor in Lancaster to complete the survey promptly.
Your satisfaction is our priority. If you have any issues, you can raise a formal complaint. If you remain unsatisfied, you can resort to a third-party dispute resolution service. Our Lancaster-based RICS surveyor will work diligently to resolve your concerns, potentially revisiting the property if necessary.
We take problems very seriously, and if you encounter an issue, we ensure your concerns are addressed promptly and professionally. The initial step involves submitting a formal, written complaint, outlining the problem and supplementing it with any supporting evidence, like photos.
Our Manchester-based surveyor will send you their Formal Complaints Procedure outlining the expected response timeframes. They will work to rectify your complaint and might even propose revisiting the property in Manchester. After a comprehensive review, they will write back to you, hopefully resolving your complaint through the provision of further information.
If you remain unsatisfied, you can resort to a third-party dispute resolution service to which the surveyor is registered. This service becomes accessible only after you have formally complained to your surveyor.
The details of the dispute resolution service for RICS surveyors are as follows:
Service Provider
Centre for Effective Dispute Resolution
Address
100 St. Paul's Churchyard, London, EC4M 8BU
Website
We have local RICS Listed Building Surveyors who specialise in listed building surveys in Lancaster. To find out more go to - Listed Building Surveys - Building Surveyor and Survey Cost in Lancaster
We cover the whole Lancaster area and have recently completed HomeBuyer Reports and Building Surveys near you, at:
- Tan Hill Drive LA1 2JD
- Victoria St, Morecambe LA4 4AA
- Avondale Rd, Lancaster LA1 4BZ
- Stonewell, Lancaster LA1 1NJ
- Manor Rd, Slyne, Lancaster LA2 6JY
You can review what planning applications have been granted or denied for properties in your area by contacting Lancaster City Council at Town Hall, Dalton Square, Lancaster LA1 1PJ, telephone 01524 582000, or you can check the local authority website.
Read the following article if you are thinking about building an extension.
Local Building Survey Lancaster
Our Building Surveyors specialise in the local area and have completed house surveys in Camforth, Hornby, Bailrigg, Heysham, Tarnbrook, Morecambe and Garstang.
We work with specialist RICS Building Surveyors to undertake Home Buyers Surveys in Lancaster. Whether you are buying an old run down 'doer upper' or standard construction freehold house, our RICS surveyors have seen them all.
With a vast number of years of experience completing building surveys on properties in Lancaster we'll be able to give you the detailed Lancaster HomeBuyers report that you will need to know and what defects there are with your property.
*Subject to availability. If your survey date is longer than 1 week then ask and we will try to fit you in sooner.
** Survey prices vary depending on type of survey, size of property and the property's location.
FREE Online Conveyancing Process For Buyers
Our conveyancing process area includes:
- online checklists
- videos
- free downloads
- useful tips
It is completely free to use - from start to finish - and saves your progress along the way.
RICS Level 2 Home Survey with a Valuation
A RICS Level 2 Home Survey, which used to be called the HomeBuyer Report or a Home Buyer Survey, is generally suitable for:
- Bungalows
- Flats
- Standard construction houses
The majority of Lancaster's leasehold flats require only a RICS HomeBuyer Report but for any Victorian conversions, a Building Survey may well be required.
RICS Level 3 Building Survey
A Level 3 Home Survey, also known as a Building Survey or a full structural, is the most comprehensive visual inspection a RICS surveyor can provide on a property in Lancaster. It is suitable for:
- complex buildings, for example those that have been extensively extended and altered
- unique or older historic properties
- properties in poor condition; or
- those where the client is planning to carry out extensive repair and refurbishment work.
Speak to one of our team on 0161 850 7159 to find out if your property suits a RICS Building Survey, or read our article Which Home Buyers Survey suits your property .
