Buying a property in Basildon is such an exciting time. Looking at areas, different styles of homes, locations, schools, transport links….and of course, no one loves looking at beautiful properties more than us! But there’s more to buying a property in Basildon than simply falling in love with it. You must make sure it’s a sound property and it’s not going to cause you future headaches and turn your dreams into nightmares! To avoid this, having a home survey should be top of your list. Right now you may be asking: What type of survey do I need when buying a property?
At Roger Bates Properties, as estate agents in Basildon, we adore it when we help our clients find the home of their dreams and they can start a new chapter. We want everything to run smoothly in your home-buying journey, and that’s where surveys come in. A home survey will help you decide whether it’s a green for go or a bright red STOP right now!
Here, we explain the options and the type of survey you’ll need when buying a property in Basildon.
But first…one of the questions we get asked most often is:
Do I need a home survey?
The answer is almost always yes. Why? Well, for two reasons. Firstly, you may adore the new home in Basildon you’ve found but think about this.
- Is it structurally safe?
- Is it going to need rewiring or fixing up?
- Are lots of works required to bring it up to standard?
- Are there any hidden defects or issues?
If it’s going to cost you time and money to correct, is it the right property for you?
Conversely, if a survey suggests you need to make repairs that will cost thousands, but you still want to buy, you could potentially negotiate on the asking price.
In a Nutshell: A survey gives you the security that the property is right for you.
Is a home survey a legal requirement?
No, it’s not a legal requirement to have a home survey on a property you want to buy. You may look at the costs of having a survey done and think the cash is better off in your pocket. But we would always respectfully suggest that you seriously consider commissioning a survey. If it’s a new home, then the survey you need won’t be as expensive as a full survey on an older property that may have more potential issues. If you have a survey that flags up problems, it could save you money in the long run.
In a Nutshell: Take a step back from the emotions behind your offer and think of your money and investment because that’s what you’re spending your money on.
Is a home survey the same as a mortgage survey?
No! As a condition of your mortgage approval, you will need to have a survey more commonly known as a valuation. This is a valuation survey that the lender will arrange – via an independent surveyor – to make sure that they can be confident the property is worth what it is on the market for. A survey of this type isn’t the same as an in-depth structural survey.
In a Nutshell: Your lender survey and home survey are two different elements of the home buying process. If you need help clarifying what type of survey you require, ask us and we’ll explain. We like to talk in plain English and love to help!
What type of survey do I need when buying a property?
The type and level of survey will depend on the type of property in Basildon you are looking to purchase.
Condition Report
If you are eying up a new build, it will come with a warranty and certain guarantees, so in this case, you should be looking at a low-level survey – a Condition Report. These typically cost a few hundred pounds and take a couple of hours to complete.
Homebuyers Report
Then there’s a Homebuyers Report, which costs a little more and is also more detailed, usually containing advice on work that needs to be done to the property. You can see why this type of survey might be needed for an older property.
Full Building Survey
A full Building Survey does cost more but is very thorough. It’s ideal for an older property in Basildon or one that is perhaps unusual. You must make sure that the property you are buying is structurally safe, and this will tell you everything.
In a Nutshell: Your surveyor should be a member of a recognised governing body such as the Residential Property Surveyors Association (RPSA) or Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS). Choose your survey based on what you need, not on the cost.
What happens once the survey is complete?
You will receive a report which you should read carefully. Your survey may point out some defects and highlight works that need to be done. You should then assess whether the work is something you want to undertake and can afford to do.
In a Nutshell: Weigh it all up, don’t scrimp on costs, and make sure you know exactly what work needs doing to the property and whether you are prepared to take it on.
Should you need further advice on surveys, please get in touch with us. We are more than happy to advise you.
What Next?
Not on the market yet, but ready to sell? Would you like a FREE Property Valuation in Basildon?
Roger Bates Properties (partnered with Keller Williams ‘The World’s Largest Estate Agent’) are your local property experts for the Basildon area. Call us on 07494 803917 or email [email protected] to find out how we can help you.
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