Surveyor cost not including VAT- a problem?

[miggles33]

I got a few surveyor quotes and had a chat with each surveyor. One seemed particularly clear and I wanted to go with him. However he was more expensive than the other so I asked if he could match their price. He said he could and i just wouldn't pay the VAT. Can you see any issues arising from this? Will he still have indemnity insurance and does it matter?

How will he want you to pay him? Cash in hand? I expect your survey is still 'valid' provided he's licenced, but it doesn't invoke much trust in him as a professional does it?

Maybe he has just poorly phrased it.

If he is VAT registered and does it for cash in hand not charging the VAT when he should then if you ever had to sue for negligence the case would be thrown out (by the court) as it would be classed as an illegal contract.

If however he is willing to discount the price so that once he adds the VAT it matches the other quote that is fine.

If he's not VAT registered, he shouldn't be charging you VAT. Ask him if he is.

Okay Ive spoken to him and am now paying the full price including VAT. I think he was doing it as a favour. It's so tempting to try and cut corners with house buying as it is so expensive.