Homebuyers & Commercial & Land Surveys
Our business is built on trust and integrity. This is intrinsic in everything we do, and is what gives our clients, colleagues, suppliers, partners and investors the confidence to work with us. We treat everyone individually, offering bespoke advice, which in turn builds long-term relationships and helps them to make better property decisions.
Homebuyers Surveys and Reports Levels 1, 2, and 3.
These are surveys that we undertake and that a buyer should always have performed when purchasing a Property. It is essential that once you have had an offer from a seller accepted and the property you are buying is now Sold (Subject to Contract) that you have a Homebuyers survey performed which will always protect your interests and highlight any relevant damages or defects the property may have or be experiencing at the time of survey.
There are essentially three types of Homebuyers Survey that are appropriate and that we routinely undertake in England & Wales, and these are called Level 1 Homebuyers and Level 2 Homebuyers Surveys and then Level 3 Building Survey respectively.
Ultimately one is more comprehensive than the other and our team will discuss with you which we together feel is more appropriate. Much will be dependent on the current age and condition of the property, current value, its location and any other significant information at the time. A Level 3 Survey is a Full Building Survey and is delivered according to the RICS Home Survey Standard (1st Edition).
LEVEL 1
Homebuyers Condition Report
RICS Condition Report – This is our very basis survey and report and not one we would often recommend as this the reporting content is less detailed and whilst it professionally covers the overall condition of the property, we would always recommend a Level 2 Survey and Report as a benchmark. It is often the case that in concluding our level 1 report we will then recommend having a Level 2 survey undertaken.
LEVEL 2
Homebuyers Survey & Report
This is the Survey and Report that we always promote to our clients as our Standard given that this is a more thorough and intermediate report but also the survey and report covers a more extensive property inspection of your property. We will routinely inspect the attic space, which is crucial when ascertaining the condition of the property roof and its spaces. Basement spaces and cellars are covered where it is safe to do so. This is an overall thorough and intensive investigation and inspection of your property, both internally and externally and we will inspect every element available to us and take and provide a schedule of photographs which we will include in our report to highlight and defects and remedial works that need to be carried out.
With this report, which we always produce for both you and your lawyer, we will talk through our findings in a straightforward way and advise you on the next steps which often are required before exchanging contracts on a property. We will be continually at hand throughout and are always available to discuss matters with you.
LEVEL 3
Full Building Survey & Report
This is essentially a full building survey provided in accordance with the Home Survey Standard (1st addition) RICS Professional Statement and is equivalent to Level 3 and is carried out by a chartered RICS Building Surveyor. This survey and report is in depth and covers outbuilding and commentary on all services (although not tested). This is a tailored report which often fits our clients’ requirements and gives them specific and sufficient information to make an informed choice which perhaps involves a purchase, extension, further valuation or other considerations and we will work closely with our clients in ensuring their objectives are fulfilled by providing this comprehensive assessment fully reflective in our report.
Valuation Appraisal & Report
We do provide specialist professional valuations and reports which are sometimes required for matters of Probate, Help to buy schemes, matrimonial and divorce proceedings and disputations, valuations for Inheritance Tax and also insurance costs assessments. This list is not exhaustive, and we can advise you further when in discussions with you.
