When should you book your survey - during or after the Coronavirus outbreak?
There are still buyers and sellers who want, or even need, to complete during this time so the housing market is moving. The good news is our surveyors are following the latest government guidance and are still completing surveys provided the Surveyor is well and has no symptoms of Coronavirus.
Our surveyors are available to complete inspections on properties that are vacant, or those where the occupants are out of the property during the time of inspection.

Frequently Asked Questions
What are the risks of not getting a house survey?
It's not a legal requirement to have a survey on a property you are buying. That being said, having a survey done could actually save you money in the long run and save you stress. A seller of the property is under no legal obligation to disclose faults or potential faults a property has.
The surveyor will attend the property and complete a defect report. This could bring to light any defects or potential faults which might cost thousands of pounds to correct. This then gives you the option to negotiate with the sellers to have the defect repaired or alternatively reduce the purchase price for the property in its current condition. Your surveyor will be able to tell if a fault is minor, thus putting your mind at rest if you are worrying unnecessarily about an issue. You can read more here - 5 reasons you need a HomeBuyer Report on a flat
Should I get a HomeBuyer Report instead of a Building survey?
What type of survey you will need can be confusing. This will depend on what type of property you are purchasing.
There are three types of surveys:
- Level 1: RICS Condition Report - Shows the condition of the property, offers guidance to legal advisors and highlights any urgent defects.
- Level 2: RICS HomeBuyer Report - Includes all the features of the RICS Condition Report, plus a market valuation and insurance rebuild costs. It also includes advice on defects that may affect the value of the property with repairs, and ongoing maintenance advice. You can order this survey without a valuation and reinstatement value.
- Level 3: RICS Building Survey - Essential for larger or older properties, or if you’re planning major works. The most comprehensive report provides you with an in-depth analysis of the property's condition and includes advice on defects, repairs and maintenance options. It focuses on the structure and the fabric of the property and aims to establish how the property is built, what materials are used and how these will perform in the future.
You can read more on what type of survey your property needs here - What type of house survey do you need?