RICs Approved Surveys

RICS Homebuyer Survey and Report

A RICS homebuyer survey is a professional service designed and recommended by the Royal Institute of Chartered Surveyors to evaluate and report the property’s condition. It is easy to view a property and like the look and feel of it. A homebuyer survey looks beyond that initial impression. A RICS qualified surveyor would assess the condition of all parts of the property. The surveyor will assess a variety of areas such as cracks, damp, roof etc. Based on the assessment, the surveyor will produce a RICS prescribed HomeBuyer report.

Why do I need a RICS homebuyer survey?

A homebuyer report will help you understand about what you are really buying. If you are making an investment in a property, you would like to be well informed. While you might not find out hidden issues of a home until after you buy, a homebuyer survey reduces that risk significantly.

Homebuyer survey is a comprehensive check of your potential property, so that you are well equipped to deal with potential issues. The survey can help you identify any potential deal-breakers that might make you think twice about your investment. The report may also help you negotiate the property price due to any discovered issues.

What type of properties require Homebuyer Survey

Homes built within last 50 years, made of standard construction material, and without any significant repair or extensions are suitable for Homebuyer survey. You need a survey if you want to make sure that the property is in the condition that was stated when you viewed it.

If the property seems to have everything going for it but the price is surprisingly low, a homebuyer survey might give you an example of why that it is.

This will help you to determine if the work that is needed is worth the savings, or whether or not you should continue your search elsewhere.

How much does it cost?

EPC Surveys provide RICS homebuyer report at a low fixed fee. The fixed fees (including VAT) are:

Upto 2-bed flat: £375.00

2/3-bed house: £550.00

4-bed house: £600.00

5-bed house: £700.00

We can add market valuation to the report for additional £100.

RICS Building Survey (Structural Survey)

A RICS building survey, also known as a structural survey, is a detailed inspection of a property you intend to buy that will highlight any issues or flaws a potential home may have. The RICS qualified surveyor will advise on any issues that they discover and provide you with the necessary information to make an informed decision about the the property purchase, allowing you to budget for future repair works or renegotiating your offer accordingly.

The buildings survey is the most in-depth survey you can have, and it is designed to check for structural issues and other unseen issues that other levels can’t discover.

What Information does a Building Survey Provide?

The buildings survey, or structural survey, is the most in-depth survey and your surveyor will check every accessible area of the property. For this survey, the surveyor will get up into the loft/attic, go down into cellars, use special equipment to check for damp and mould, check floorboards, behind movable furniture, windows and doors, and just about anywhere else a home can show its issues or age.

1. Provides detailed information about the structure and fabric of the property
2. Discover problems that need urgent attention, or are serious
3. Discover problems that need further investigation to prevent serious damage
4. Helps you decide whether you require further advice before committing to purchase
5. Helps you understand any ongoing maintenance required in the future
6. Establishes how the property is built, materials used, and how these will perform in the future
7. Exposes potential problems posed by hidden defects
8. Outlines repair options, repair timeline, explains the consequences of not acting
9. A longer and more detailed visual inspection of a wider range of issues
10. More thorough consideration of the roof space, grounds, floors and services

Why Do I Need a Buildings Survey?

A buildings survey lets you know exactly what you are getting into. All older homes will have an odd issue, but there is a big difference between a major structural issue and the need to reseal or replace a few windows. A buildings survey is optional but is highly recommended. You don’t want to save on a few hundred pounds now, only to discover the home has an issue that will cost £15,000 to put right. Once you’ve bought the home, it’s yours, flaws and all. The previous owners won’t be liable at all if they had no knowledge of the problem, and you’ll still have a tough time if they did, so you’ll save time and money by having all the information you need up front. If you’re purchasing a newer home and just want to know an expert has looked over your property, a HomeBuyer survey may be best for you.

How much does it cost?

EPC Surveys UK provide a RICS Building Survey at a low fixed fee. The fixed fees (including VAT) are:

Upto 2-bed: £500.00

3-bed: £500.00

4-bed: £600.00

5-bed: £750.00

Need a homebuyer survey? Get in touch!

So, if you are in need of help with getting a Homebuyer Survey or Building Survey, then we are here to help you out. 

Just contact our team here at EPC Surveys UK and we’ll be happy to carry out your survey for you in the shortest space of time!