Sutherland Surveyors: Home Buyer Report or Building Survey; Which One Do You Actually Need?
With the spring property market picking up pace, many buyers right now are moving quickly. Offers are being made, solicitors are being instructed, and mortgages are being arranged. In the middle of all that activity, one question we are asked more than most at Sutherland Surveyors is “which type of survey do I actually need?”'
It is an important question, and the answer isn't always straightforward. Choosing the right option will ensure that you will be provided with the information you need to buy with confidence. Choosing the wrong option can mean purchasing a property without a full overview of the condition of the property resulting in unexpected issues further down the line.
The Two Main Options
For most residential buyers, the choice comes down to two types of survey: a Home Buyer Report and a Building Survey (sometimes called a Full Structural Survey).
A Home Buyer Report is designed for properties that are broadly in reasonable condition. It looks at visible and accessible elements of the building, identifies any significant defects, and gives an overall picture of the condition of the property using a straightforward traffic light rating system. It is a solid, well-structured report and works well in the right circumstances.
A Building Survey is much more detailed and is more comprehensive. Rather than following a set template, it gives a thorough account of the property's construction, condition, and any concerns the surveyor identifies. This includes context, likely causes, and guidance on what may need attention. It is written more specifically to that property.
When a Home Buyer Report Is Suitable
A Home Buyer Report tends to be appropriate for relatively modern properties, including those built in the last 50 to 60 years, that are in a standard construction style and appear to be in reasonable condition. An example of a suitable property would be a 1980s semi-detached house that has been well maintained.
If the property looks in reasonable condition and you have no concerns from your viewing, a Home Buyer Report provides a useful overview of the condition of the property.
When To Consider A Building Survey
There are several situations where a Building Survey would be more appropriate and it is worth being honest about these rather than letting budget alone drive the decision.
If the property is of older (particularly anything pre-1930s) construction, methods and materials vary considerably, and the scope of a Home Buyer Report may not be detailed enough. Older homes can carry issues that only become apparent when a surveyor looks more carefully at how the building is constructed.
Similarly, if the property has had extensions, conversions, or significant alterations, those changes need closer scrutiny. Work done without proper oversight or building regulations compliance can be difficult to identify during a viewing, but a more thorough survey gives the right level of investigation.
Properties that look tired, have been empty for a while, or sit in an unusual construction such as timber frames, thatched roofs, stone-built cottages, all benefit from the detail that is provided from a Building Survey.
Don't Let the Cost Difference Be the Deciding Factor
Here at Sutherland Surveyors, we understand that buyers are managing multiple costs at once, however the difference in fee between the two survey types is minimal when set against the value of the property being purchased and against what can go wrong if a problem is missed.
Choosing a less detailed survey to save a relatively small amount at this stage is a false economy if it means significant issues go undetected.
Getting the Right Advice
If you are unsure which option is right for your situation, speak to a chartered surveyor before you book. Any reputable surveyor will be happy to discuss the property with you and help you make an informed choice.
If you have been searching for a surveyor near me and found yourself uncertain about which survey to ask for, that conversation is exactly where to start. The right survey, for the right property, at the right stage; This is what makes the difference. Visit our website to find out more about Sutherland Surveyors www.sutherlandsurveyors.co.uk.
