Building surveys

Building Surveys and Building Survey Reports

Buying a new home or investment property can be very daunting but we are here to help. 

We aim to produce our all of our reports with the finest attention to detail. We understand that presentation is key and our reports are clearly laid out using RICS official templates which are easy to read, making them less overwhelming.

Our inspections and reports are exceptionally thorough and provide a detailed report on the current condition of the property. 

Put your mind at ease knowing that all of our reports are licenced products by the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors.

Building Survey Cost

Level 2 - RICS HomeBuyer Reports without Valuation start at £495.

Level 3 - RICS Full Building Survey Reports start at £605.

Level 2 - RICS HomeBuyer Report without Valuation

A Level 2 HomeBuyer Report is a type of survey designed for potential property buyers. It provides a detailed assessment of a property's condition and highlights any areas of concern that may affect its value. This report is suitable for conventional properties in reasonable condition and involves a visual inspection of various aspects of the property, such as the interior, exterior, and other accessible parts.

The HomeBuyer Report aims to identify any significant issues and potential risks, focusing on essentials like structural integrity, dampness, and possible damage. It offers valuable insights to help buyers make informed decisions about their prospective investment.

Level 3 - RICS Full Building Survey

A Level 3 Full Building Survey is the most comprehensive type of survey available. It provides an in-depth assessment of a property's condition and is suitable for all residential properties, particularly older or unconventional buildings, those in poor condition, or properties undergoing major renovation.

The survey involves a thorough inspection of all accessible parts of the property. It offers detailed information about the property's construction, materials, and highlights any defects, potential problems, and necessary repairs. The report also includes advice on maintenance, further investigations, and discusses legal issues and risks. 

Overall, a Level 3 survey provides a comprehensive understanding of the property's condition and is invaluable for both buyers and existing property owners.

Cash Buyer Advantages

As a cash buyer, obtaining a building survey offers several advantages:

Negotiation Leverage: With the ability to make an immediate offer and complete the purchase swiftly, cash buyers can often negotiate more effectively, especially when armed with a comprehensive building survey. Any issues identified in the survey can be used as negotiation points to potentially secure a more favourable price.

Clarity on Property Condition: A building survey provides a clear understanding of the property's condition, allowing cash buyers to assess any potential risks or necessary repairs before committing to the purchase. This clarity can influence their decision-making process and help them avoid unforeseen problems down the line.

Confident Decision Making: Having a thorough understanding of the property's condition empowers cash buyers to make confident purchasing decisions. They can accurately assess the property's value and potential costs for repairs or maintenance, ensuring that their investment is sound.

Efficient Completion: Cash transactions typically proceed more swiftly than those involving mortgage approvals. With a building survey completed in advance, cash buyers can streamline the purchasing process, demonstrating to the seller that they are serious and well-prepared.

Overall, obtaining a building survey offers cash buyers the clarity, confidence, and negotiation leverage to make well-informed decisions and secure the best possible deal for their investment. 

Advantages of using a Local Building Surveyor

Using Hill Surveyors offers several advantages:

Regional Expertise: Local building surveyors often possess in-depth knowledge of the area, including understanding specific geological or environmental factors that may impact properties in the region. This expertise can provide valuable insights during the survey process.

Familiarity with Local Regulations: Local surveyors are well-versed in the local building regulations, planning guidelines, and potential issues common to the area. This familiarity can help ensure that the survey accurately considers all relevant local requirements and potential concerns.

Accessibility and Convenience: Engaging a local surveyor can offer convenience, as they are more accessible for on-site visits, consultations, and follow-up discussions. This can lead to a more efficient and responsive survey process.

Networks and Relationships: Local surveyors often have established relationships with local authorities, builders, and other professionals in the area. This network can be beneficial when navigating local regulations, acquiring permits, or obtaining additional information about a property.

Understanding of Local Property Market: A local surveyor's understanding of the local property market and housing stock can guide potential buyers by providing context for the condition and value of the property they are considering.

Overall, leveraging the expertise and local knowledge of a building surveyor familiar with the area can enhance the quality and relevance of the survey, providing valuable insights and guidance specific to the local property market and regulatory landscape. 

Building Survey for Leasehold Flat

When purchasing a leasehold flat, obtaining a building survey offers several advantages:

Identify Common Areas' Condition: A building survey will assess the condition of common areas within the building, including the roof, structure, and shared facilities. Understanding the state of these common elements is crucial, as leaseholders often share responsibility for their maintenance.

Evaluation of Leasehold-Specific Concerns: Building surveys will address leasehold-specific concerns, such as examining the overall health of the building, potential maintenance issues, and any shared infrastructure, providing valuable insights into potential future service charge costs or special assessments.

Uncover Hidden Defects: Building surveys can uncover any hidden defects within the flat itself or the wider building. This includes issues related to damp, structural integrity, or other potential problems that may not be immediately visible during a standard viewing.

Negotiation and Budgeting: Armed with the survey findings, leasehold buyers gain leverage in negotiation and can better budget for any future maintenance or repairs, ensuring they have a comprehensive understanding of the property's condition and potential costs.

Peace of Mind: Obtaining a building survey as a leasehold buyer provides peace of mind, allowing for a thorough understanding of the flat's condition and any potential issues, empowering informed decisions and avoiding unforeseen problems after purchasing the leasehold.

In summary, a building survey for a leasehold flat offers crucial insights into the condition of the property and the wider building, providing leaseholders with valuable information to make well-informed decisions, negotiate effectively, and plan for potential future costs.