Conveyance services

Conveyancing

What is a Property Survey?

A property survey is an inspection of a property’s condition performed by qualified surveyors to highlight any potential issues for their client, often a potential buyer. The report outlines any problems found, as well as the next steps to resolve them.

Typically, homebuyers will carry out a survey once their offer has been accepted and the sales memorandums have been issues to both parties' solicitors.

Who is An Accredited Surveyor?

For surveyors, there are two main accrediting bodies. RICS – The Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors. RICS offers three levels of survey;

• Condition Report (level one)
• Homebuyer Report (level two)
• Building Survey (level three)

RPSA – The Residential Property Surveyors Association offers two levels of survey; Home Condition Survey and a Building Survey as well as a Buy to Let Survey.

Level One: RICS Condition Report

The most basic house survey provides a general property overview.

The Level One condition report is generally used for standard, new-builds and modern properties, whilst only highlighting the most significant issues. This survey is preferable if the property in question immediately appears to be in order.

This report uses a traffic light system to indicate the levels of severity of any prevailing issues against predetermined criteria.

Level Two: RICS Homebuyer Report / SAVA Home Condition Survey

The most typically considered level of report or survey used, it encompasses all level one investigations with additional extras.

This level will highlight anything that might affect a property’s value and provide advice on repairs or potential maintenance.

The survey itself is non-intrusive, meaning that only surface-level issues will be identified. Notably, this level will provide information on visual damp and subsidence, as well as anything that isn’t up to regulation standard.

Importantly, the RICS Report will include a property market valuation, while the SAVA Survey does not.

Level Three: RICS Building Survey

Known as a full structural survey, this is the most thorough survey typically available, most suitable for properties that have a significant number of variables.

This survey is used to evaluate properties that are over 50 years old, atypical design, or are in poor condition. Moreover, it is worth considering this survey if you are planning major works, renovations, or have reservations about the condition of a property.

Additionally, this survey will go beyond surface-level observations, and a surveyor will thoroughly inspect a property – looking in wall cavities, under floorboards and in attics.

Your surveyor will provide a detailed list of defects and advise on repairs – including costs and timings.

RPSA Home Condition Survey

The Home Condition Survey (HCS) is a survey that is suitable for all property types as it includes a full inspection and a comprehensive report.

RPSA Building Survey

A Building Survey (often referred to as a Full or Structural Survey) is the highest level of non-invasive survey that surveyors usually carry out during the home-buying process. It is suitable for all properties but is often most applicable for older or more unusual properties, or properties where problems are suspected.

Buy-To-Let

The Homes (Fitness for Habitation) Bill, introduced in 2019, requires landlords to ensure their homes are fit for habitation at the beginning of a tenancy and throughout.

This survey considers how the construction and condition of the home affects the way tenants will live within it.

You get all the features of the Home Condition Survey, plus:

• A review of the 29 potential hazard profiles listed under the Housing Health & Safety Rating System (used by local authorities to prosecute landlords in the Private Rented Sector).
• A Decent & Safe Homes (DASH) report that highlights health and safety deficiencies
• Cross-referencing of health and safety issues with relevant descriptions of property condition.
• Compiled by a specialist residential surveyor who has undergone specific training.

Is a house survey important? Do you need one?

As the costs associated with buying a property can quickly stack up, it might feel like an unnecessary expense if a property feels like it is perfectly sound.

However, a survey can provide peace of mind, ensuring that your purchase is informed, reducing risk of future complications post completion. Importantly, if there’s any repair or maintenance required, your budget can be adjusted accordingly.

How can Kentwood assist with your house survey?

At Kentwood we work with a number of accredited surveyors. Our team will already be assisting you with your property purchase and can help with the surveying process if you require.