A HomeBuyer report or survey is a survey to find and document any issues with the property that could cause damage and needs future repairs. A HomeBuyer survey is suitable for most modern homes, as well as most older homes that are in a reasonable sate of repair, however they will only cover visible problems.
The HomeBuyer survey will now cover every little detail in the building, but it will reveal any issues that may make an impact on how the property is valued and require extra investigation.
How Much Does the HomeBuyer Report Cost?
The average cost of the base survey is around £400, however this price can vary depending on the size, age or type of property.
You will need to pay for a valuation which will cost around an average of £100-£500. Some mortgages will offer free valuations.
Also note that different surveyors will offer different prices, so make sure that you shop around to get multiple quotes. It is advisable to go for Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS), who are credited and will provide unique guidance.
Condition Ratings
Within the RICS HomeBuyer Report, there is 3 conditions ratings to evaluate the conditions of the property and how urgent the repair is.
Condition 1- No repair is currently needed
Condition 2- Defects that need repairing or replacing but are not considered to be either serious or urgent
Condition 3 -Defects that are serious and/or need to be repaired
Should I Get a HomeBuyer Report?
HomeBuyer survey does come at an extra cost when buying a house, and it's not a legal requirement, it will help you in the long term. It will offer peace of mind of knowing what condition your property you are purchasing.
Most surveys will find some sort of issue, especially with older properties. If you have any concerns prior to the survey, take it up with your surveyor before. Most surveyors are happy to talk you through the report this is a good time to ask any follow-up questions.
Finding out, from the surveyor, how much it may costs to fix the issues. Getting a quote from a builder for major works, will allow you to potentially renegotiate or ask the seller to fix the issues before completion.
Building Survey
This survey is the most in-depth survey and provides a detailed analysis of the property's issues along with repairs and maintenance advice. This is the best choice if you are looking at an older or unusual property that may require more attention.