Buying your first property is a huge commitment and a big step in adult life. It’s likely to be the most involved and expensive purchase you’ll ever make and that’s why it’s important that you get a house survey, as it will give you insight into your investment and stop you purchasing a money pit.

1. E.Surv
UK
Survey tips for first time buyers
Buying your first property is a huge commitment and a big step in adult life. It’s
likely to be the most involved and expensive purchase you’ll ever make and
that’s why it’s important that you get a house survey, as it will give you insight
into your investment and stop you purchasing a money pit.
If you’re making the purchase by getting a mortgage then you’ll be requested to
get a mortgage valuation through your lender’s preferred firm of chartered
surveyors. This is the base level of house valuation and is not technically a
survey. It is ultimately to give the lender the reassurance that a property with
worth lending on.
If you’re buying it outright as a cash buyer then it’s strongly suggested that you
get a survey by finding a firm that can cater for your needs. They will generally
offer 3 types of house survey
- RICS Condition Report
- RICS HomeBuyers Report
- RICS Building Survey
It’s dependent on the type and age of the property as to which survey you choose
but it’s generally recommended that you get a homebuyer survey as it provides
you with a house valuation. A building survey will also provide one but this
report is only needed if your purchase is of a grade I or II listed building before
1850 or newer building that’s had extensive work to alter it. An RICS Condition
Report is quite a basic inspection and does not include a house valuation.
Like a lot of first time buyers, you may have opted for purchasing a new build
property in the hope of acquiring a hassle free home that’s free of any problems
but new builds can be troublesome. When buying a new build you generally have
a 2 year warranty with the developer so before this expires you can have a new
build snagging report carried out by a Chartered Surveyor who will highlight any
problems and forward them onto your developer to ensure your property is up
to scratch.
Visit E.Surv Chartered Surveyors for a detailed understanding of the services on
offer.