Buying a home: is it worth paying for a survey?

21st November 2016

Buying a property is one of the biggest investments many of us will ever make, so understanding exactly where our money is going is crucial. Surveys are one way to help create peace of mind that the property you're purchasing isn't going to present any nasty surprises in the near future.

Surveys are more important than ever as properties increase in age. More than one in five homes across the UK are now over 94 years old, and nearly three-quarters have had a major alteration since their original construction. Using a qualified surveyor to check a property before purchase can ensure it is structurally sound and that material changes have been undertaken appropriately.

The Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS) has found that one in five of those who did not survey their property have later found faults. Problems can often create costly remedial work, which could have been uncovered before the property purchase is finalised.

Beresfords has been providing surveying services to local buyers for more than 30 years. Primarily there are three main types of report: a basic mortgage valuation, a more detailed Homebuyers report and a comprehensive Building Survey. Our surveyors can advise on the most suitable report for a particular property.

All Beresfords inspections are carried out by RICS-qualified Surveyors who collectively undertake more than 1,500 inspections a year for private individuals and many high street banks and building societies.

More information can be found within the survey section of the Beresfords website.