Homebuyer Survey

N.B.  Not all surveyors are the same! We recommend experienced, locally-based, qualified Chartered Surveyors for  professional Homebuyer Survey inspections.

Mortgage lenders sometimes offer to arrange surveys via large corporate ‘panel’ firms whose surveyors are under pressure to carry out several inspections per day, are generally less experienced, and are not always from the local area.

RICS HomeBuyer Survey

The Homebuyer Report is a ‘Level 2’ RICS survey.  It’s by far the most popular type of home survey, suitable for the vast majority of residential properties built since the late Victorian period.

Carried out by a qualified MRICS or FRICS Chartered Surveyor, the inspection covers the whole property inside and out, from the loft down to the drains (where accessible) and is written on a specially designed RICS report, typically at least 25 pages long.

The simple ‘traffic light’ summary makes it quick and easy to read, with each part of the building allocated an easy-to-understand ‘Condition Rating’ of 1, 2 or 3.

Also known as a HomeBuyer Report (HBR) this will tell you about all significant defects – in fact anything that could materially affect the value. It also alerts you to future maintenance problems. You can even request that the surveyor comments on anything you specially want to know, such as potential for extending or converting the loft.

The report can also include a valuation and insurance calculation if requested.

Not normally suitable for older period buildings (ie those built before 1880), unusually large houses, rambling mansions, or properties in need of extensive renovation, which are better suited to more detailed Building Surveys.