Homebuyers Report and Structural Survey - This seems very cheap?

[BetterThanChocolate]

We are in the process of buying a two bed, house built around 1910. Ive had a couple of quotes for different surveys.

One was an independant surveyor recommended by the estate agents that have sold our flat He has given us a quote for £600 for a Homebuyers report, ive had a look at a sample survey and spoken to him and he seems very helpful and the report covers alot

The second quote is from a large survey brokers who have offered us a full buildings survey for £340 and the homebuyers for £250 (incl VAT)We have used them to have the valuation on our current property (its Shared Ownership so we were given their details by the housing associaton) and that was very reasonable.

But it just seems VERY VERY cheap that we could have both done for the same cost

I guess i was just wondering what survey people went for, what their experiences have been and what they paid?

We are in East London BTW if that makes a difference with costs

Thanks

It does seem suspiciously cheap. There was an interesting article in the Times on Saturday suggesting that surveyors are now so busy covering their own backs that the surveys are virtually worthless anyway.

BetterThanChocolate - I don't suppose you could please PM me the name of your surveyor? We are in SW London, but I can't seem to get any recommendations here - unless anyone has any suggestions?

lala is right surveys are becoming less and less useful as they are so scared of being sued they do the minimum. `i always instruct one myself and tehn ask to go with them

I have suggestion - Charles Mathews who is self-employed surveyor in Brixton. A bit eccentric but very good - loves pushing about in nooks and crannies, can't imagine much getting past him and he wouldn't be afraid of telling you the information you need. Google Ayldens SW9 and you'll get his number.