RICS PRE-PURCHASE SURVEYS
Expert Service
Are you purchasing a property? Whether you’re upsizing or downsizing, a first-time buyer, or a property developer - buying a property is a big financial and personal investment. You likely already know that, because you’ve probably found this page looking for a pre-purchase survey!
We can help you to have confidence in your purchase, understand the risks and liabilities of the property, and explore the potential of your property. We can help you save time, money and effort by giving you exactly what you need to know about a property before you commit to purchase. We believe every house purchase should be accompanied by an RICS survey, and undertaken by a competent surveyor. We tell you what you need to know, before you realise you need to know it!
We are experienced in our field and can provide detailed survey and advice for the inspection of conventional, traditional, non-traditional and historic buildings. We offer two levels of RICS pre-purchase survey: Level 2 (Homebuyer) and Level 3 (Building Survey).
LEVEL 2 - HOMEBUYERS
This intermediate level of service includes a more extensive visual inspection of the building, its services and grounds, but still without tests. Concealed areas normally opened or used by the occupiers are inspected if it is safe to do so (typical examples include roof spaces, basements and cellars).
The report objectively describes the condition of the different elements and provides an assessment of the relative importance of the defects/problems.
At this level, although it is concise, the report does include advice about repairs and any ongoing maintenance issues. Where I am unable to reach a conclusion with reasonable confidence, a recommendation for further investigations should be made.
SNAGGING INSPECTION
New build homes are notorious for having unresolved issues with the workmanship and quality of finishes, also known as “snags”. These can happen when the workmen on site are careless, poorly coordinated, and / or are not skilled enough in their trade. The burden of resolving these snags can fall to you, the purchaser, and can often go unreported and unresolved. We can help you identify and log these snags into a single report, which you can then use to negotiate with your builder.
To achieve Building Control sign-off and the 25-year NHBC warranty, the National Housing and Building Control (NHBC) have strict tolerances that house builders must work to. It is these tolerances that provide you with the leverage to have the snags resolved. We will reference the required NHBC guidance to give you the information you need to negotiate with the house builder.
In a snagging report, we will cover the cosmetic, structural, and compliance issues in one report.
We have years of experience in the housebuilding sector, managing the handover of new-build housing. We also have years of experience in construction compliance, and construction technology. Please get in touch for a free consultation, and we can help you decide if a snagging report is what you require.
LEVEL 3 - BUILDING SURVEY
The service consists of a detailed visual inspection of the building, its services and the grounds and is more extensive than a survey level two. Concealed areas normally opened or used by the occupiers are inspected if it is safe to do so (typical examples include roof spaces, basements and cellars). Although the services are not tested, they are observed in normal operation – in other words, they are switched on or off and/or operated where the occupier has given permission and it is safe to do so.
The report objectively describes the form of construction and materials used for different parts of the property. It describes the condition and provides an assessment of the relative importance of the defects/problems.
We will also describe the identifiable risk of potential or hidden defects in areas not inspected- propose the most probable cause(s) of the defects based on the inspection- outline the likely scope of any appropriate remedial work and explain the likely consequences of non-repair- make general recommendations in respect of the priority and likely timescale for necessary work and- give an indication of likely costs or structural and compliance repairs.
PRIVATE VALUATION
Help-to-Buy Valuations: If you are considering purchasing a property with the assistance of the Help-to-Buy scheme, it's essential to have a precise valuation to make an informed decision. We specialise in providing detailed assessments of the market value of properties, ensuring that you understand the true worth of your potential investment. With our guidance, you can confidently navigate the Help-to-Buy process, making the right choices for your future.
Probate Valuations: Dealing with the estate of a loved one can be emotionally challenging, and probate valuations are a crucial aspect of this process. We understand the sensitivity and importance of such valuations and am committed to delivering accurate and compliant reports that can assist in probate proceedings. Our meticulous approach ensures that you have a clear understanding of the property's value, allowing for a smooth resolution during these difficult times.
Matrimonial Valuations: Divorce and separation can be complex, especially when it comes to the equitable division of assets, including real estate. We provide expert matrimonial valuations that consider the unique circumstances of your situation. These valuations are conducted with utmost professionalism and objectivity, helping you and your former partner reach a fair settlement.
