If you’re one of the 1.1 million people looking to sell their house in 2024, then it's important to know if your property is in satisfactory condition before being advertised on the open market. Approximately 250,000 buyers opted for a survey in 2023, with this split between a level 2 survey (previously known as a homebuyer's report) and a level 3 survey (previously known as a full structural survey). Most houses typically undergo a mortgage valuation for lending purposes, however, it is important to note that this is not the same as a residential property survey.
However, most buyers assume that a mortgage valuation is the same as a traditional residential survey. A mortgage valuation is a means of a bank, or other lending institution, assessing the value of an asset to determine if it is good collateral against the risk of the loan (mortgage). A mortgage valuer will not comment on any defects or condition of the property and will likely only be on-site for around 10-15 minutes, as most working for large corporations are expected to carry out in excess of five valuations a day.
So as a prudent seller, what can you do to increase the chance of your house successfully passing a survey?
If you’re someone who originally purchased their home without getting a survey, it would be prudent to instruct your own residential surveyor to undertake an inspection of your home so that you’re aware of any defects or repair liabilities. For example, in a worst-case scenario where the surveyor identifies a major defect or something that requires further investigation, this provides an opportunity to rectify the problem prior to going to market. This could benefit you by not delaying or possibly collapsing the chain and, if you’re not in a financial position to rectify the problem, this can be disclosed, quoted and accurately reflected in the asking price.
If you’ve undertaken substantial work to your property in the form of a loft conversion, extension, removal of structural walls window or door replacements, etc, you would have required and subsequently received numerous legal documents pertaining to these works. Briefly, this typically comprises of:
Access to this information before selling will be beneficial not just for the conveyancers, but for any surveyor who may ask you or the estate agent about any works you’ve undertaken. Honesty and transparency are key to any process and having all the answers will only aid you in the sale of your home
If something is or looks unfinished, this is more than likely going to raise a concern with the surveyor. This is especially important if the unfinished work is associated with a major structural component such as the roof coverings, external walls or grounds within proximity to the property. Therefore, it is paramount that any outstanding works are completed to a good standard, and this also includes small jobs relating to the ascetic appearance of the property. Surveyors typically don’t assume the worst, however, they will follow what is known as a ‘trail of suspicion’ in most circumstances to establish factual evidence as part of their survey report.
There is nothing more frustrating for a surveyor than not being able to access a particular part of a property. In most circumstances, common inaccessible areas tend to be loft voids due to the lack of hatch or access, utility cupboards and the dreaded ‘storage room’ with items packed from floor to ceiling. If the area in question is important to the survey, such as the roof void to inspect the roof structure, this normally results in a re-inspection which will undoubtedly cause unwanted delays. Therefore, it is good practice to ensure that each part of your property is physically accessible, can be visually inspected to a reasonable standard and is clean and tidy.
Following from the point above, it is not an uncommon occurrence for vendors to deliberately conceal defects that they’re already aware of. Some classic examples from surveys we have personally undertaken are:
Not only does this pose a risk for the surveyor undertaking the inspection, but it also provides an unnecessary risk to the building and financial liability for the unsuspecting future owner. It is good practice to make all parties aware of any known issues so that a resolution can be achieved. We are fully aware that most homeowners are not professionals and that in some cases, the extent of a known defect is not fully established until after a report has been completed. In this situation, open and honest communication between all parties in the most efficient way to resolve any problem, should it arise.
If you’re located in the Cotswolds, Swindon or Bristol and would like to speak to a member of our team about a pre-purchase survey, please contact us today and we will be happy to discuss your requirement in more detail, or any concerns you may have. Our contact details are listed below:
Email - enquiries@cornerstonesurveyors.co.uk
Phone - 01285 703333
Our services are tailored to the client and individual property, ensuring they receive a report that is specific for their needs.
UK qualified surveyors. Providing RICS Level 2 and Level 3 surveys and property valuations.
Company Number: 15278207
Registered Address: C/O Ashford House, Dixons Green Road, Dudley, West Midlands, England, DY2 7DJ
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