Buying a property is a significant investment, so understanding its condition before you commit is important. Knowing when to get a building survey can help you make informed decisions during the buying process.
A building survey provides an independent assessment of a property’s condition. It can identify defects, maintenance requirements and areas that may need further investigation. Therefore, arranging a survey at the right stage can give you useful information before you become legally committed to the purchase.
When should you arrange a building survey?
Ideally, you should arrange your building survey after your offer has been accepted but before exchanging contracts.
At this stage, you have agreed a price with the seller, but the purchase has not yet become legally binding. The survey can therefore provide valuable information while you still have the opportunity to consider your options.
For example, a survey may identify defects that were not obvious during a viewing. These could include roof problems, dampness, timber defects, structural movement or issues relating to previous alterations.
You may then decide to obtain further investigations or repair estimates. Depending on the findings, you may also wish to discuss the property’s condition and agreed price with the seller.
It is important to remember that a survey is a visual inspection. It does not normally involve opening up walls, floors or ceilings. Consequently, some defects may require further investigation by an appropriate specialist.
Should you have a survey before making an offer?
You can arrange a survey before making an offer, although many buyers wait until their offer has been accepted.
There can be advantages to surveying the property earlier. For example, if you are particularly concerned about the condition of an older or unusual property, a survey may give you more information before deciding how much you are prepared to offer.
However, the most suitable timing can depend on the property and your circumstances. If you are buying a property with obvious defects, extensive alterations or a complex history, you may wish to consider your surveying requirements at an earlier stage.
Should you choose a Level 2 or Level 3 Building Survey?
Knowing when to get a building survey is only part of the decision. You also need to consider which type of survey is appropriate.
A Level 2 Home Survey provides a general overview of the property’s condition. It is typically suitable for conventional properties that appear to be in reasonable condition and have not been substantially altered.
A Level 3 Building Survey provides a more detailed assessment. It is often more appropriate for older, unusual or extensively altered properties, as well as buildings where significant defects or other concerns are apparent.
A Level 3 survey can provide more detailed information about defects, their likely causes and appropriate remedial considerations. Where necessary, it can also recommend further investigation.
Your choice should therefore reflect the property itself, rather than simply its age or purchase price.
What happens after the survey?
Once the survey is complete, you should read the report carefully and consider any recommendations.
Not every defect identified will necessarily require immediate action. Some findings may relate to routine maintenance, while others could warrant further investigation or repairs.
If the survey identifies significant concerns, you may wish to obtain specialist advice or quotations before proceeding. Your solicitor may also need to investigate certain matters, particularly where they relate to legal or documentation issues.
It is worth allowing enough time for these steps before exchanging contracts.
Why does survey timing matter?
Understanding when to get a building survey can help you avoid making decisions without knowing enough about the property’s condition.
A property can look perfectly sound during a viewing, while a professional inspection may identify issues that are not immediately visible. A survey can also offer reassurance by confirming that the inspection did not reveal any significant defects.
Most importantly, consider a building survey as an essential component of your broader property due diligence. It does not replace legal advice, but it can give you a clearer understanding of the physical condition of the building before you commit to the purchase.
If you are unsure which type of survey is appropriate, discussing the property with a building surveyor before booking can help you choose the right level of inspection.