5 Types of People Who Should Definitely Get a Home Survey

As surveyors, we believe that everyone should commission a private Home Survey before buying a property. However, in this blog, we consider the groups of purchasers who are likely to benefit the most from a survey.

As surveyors, we believe that everyone should commission a private Home Survey before buying a property. However, in this blog, we consider the groups of purchasers who are likely to benefit the most from a survey.

 

1. First time buyers
There’s a lot to consider and a lot to learn when you’re buying your first home. You’ve scraped together everything you can for your deposit and there’s likely to be very little leftover cash for unexpected repair and maintenance works. An RICS Home Survey will give you an overall view of how much work the property requires so you can check your budget will cover this.

 

2. People who are moving to a different type of property
If you’ve always lived in a modern property, moving to something older could come as a shock. Solid brick walls have different issues to cavity walls, a old slate roof covering is likely to require more repair and maintenance than concrete tiles, suspended timber floors can be susceptible to dampness, rot and woodworm, and lathe and plaster ceilings could be fragile and require replacement.  An RICS Home Survey will comment on the construction and condition of each element as well as noting any necessary repairs or ongoing maintenance issues.

 

3. People who don’t like surprises
If you take a sensible approach to house buying and don’t like nasty surprises, an RICS Home Survey will give detailed information on each element of the property and use photographs to illustrate any issues so that you’re fully informed prior to purchase.

 

4. First time investors
Daytime TV has a lot to answer for. The reality is that houses which are advertised as requiring ‘modernisation’ generally need a lot more than a new kitchen and bathroom and a lick of paint. How are the services? What’s the roof covering like? Is there any dampness? What about asbestos? An RICS Home Survey will cover these issues, along with many more, and provide advice on any necessary works. You can then obtain quotes from reputable contractors and decide if your purchase still makes financial sense.

 

5. Landlords
Buy-to-let properties have to add up financially and the last thing you need is large or ongoing repair and maintenance bills. An RICS Home Survey will help you to decide if your investment is financially viable and allow you to budget for future repairs. You may ultimately decide that a different type of property would be a better investment.

 

 

24 February 2022