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What do I need to do?

If you need a mortgage your lender will almost certainly insist on a surveyor carrying out a homebuyer’s report. It is the middle of three types of survey. A valuation is the basic service while the most extensive is the full structural survey. Most surveyors will tell you that homebuyer’s report and full structural survey cover the same ground but the structural survey comes with a more detailed report.

Where do I find one?

Your mortgage company will often let you use their surveyor to provide the report and offer a discount on the fee. If you go it alone then the Royal Institution of Charted surveyors will provide a list of members in your area (0870 333 1600).

How much will it cost?

A valuation will cost £85, but unless you are a cash buyer you will need to pay about £250 for a homebuyer’s report. Mortgage companies can cut the cost to less than £200. A full structural survey will cost upwards of £500 depending on the size and state of repair of the home.

Is a full survey worth the money?

A good surveyor will provide a report that is like a plan of works with photos. It will point out the problems that need immediate attention and those that can wait. But a lazy surveyor (and there are plenty of them) may merely describe your new home and deny responsibility when subsequent problems arise.