Survey questions- Nationwide

[Mybabystolemysanity]

In the middle of buying an old (1900-ish) semi detached house.

Nationwide mortgage application is asking if we want just a mortgage valuation survey or a 'homebuyers report'.

The other option is to speak to the surveyor who is coming to refresh our Scottish home report tomorrow about a full structural survey.

What we want to know is things like is there any active woodworm, damp, wet or dry rot, movement, falling down chimneys, likelihood of two flat roof extensions needing extensive repair, does it have a proper damp proof course, is the drainage connected properly to the septic tank and what condition is that likely to be in/will we need to buy a new tank?

House is in immaculate condition and we have no reason to think it hasn't been maintained, but can anyone advise on the correct type of survey to have so we can sleep at night? Any idea what an independent structural survey would cover and what it would cost?

Thanks in advance!

If it's immaculate and has been well maintained I'd be minded to pass on the full report, unless you can afford it.

We get them done as par for the course but we only buy wrecks, so full report is a must.....

We can probably afford £500 for peace of mind. Just want to be sure there won't be a £25k bill to put something right in the next five years...

Can I ask how in depth the surveys on your wrecks are?

Very detailed.... we use an independent surveyor and go for a full RICS buildings report. This includes photos, and a grade for each area - 1,2, or 3 (3 needing remedial work). You can also opt for the homebuyers report which is pretty thorough, but either way, I'd go independent rather than through your lender.

Previously we've been able to use evidence from surveys to negotiate sale price a little too if anything totally unexpected has been found.

Surveys arent very good at diagnosing problems - they are more likely to point out things you should get checked by a trades person, for example if you are worried about woodworm or damp you need to get a company round that specialise in this. In terms of cost of work required you could get a general builder to go round and quote for any work which needs doing soon. Old houses usually show damp problems which can be leaking gutters or outside ground leveks being too high. Chemical damp proofing diesnt do much at all and is generally acwaste of money - it doesnt cure what is causing the damp just covers it up for a while.

Don't waste your money on an enhanced 'Nationwide' survey.

Get the basic needed for your mortgage and speak to the local reputable local surveyor who specialises in older properties to do an independent survey for you. If you explain to him your concerns, he should be able to create a custom inspection for you or recommend the most appropriate standard product.

I would be willing to enter into a small wager that the building society "homebuyer report" or "Full structural" survey wouldn't be worth the paper it was written on.

I would be willing to enter into a small wager that the building society "homebuyer report" or "Full structural" survey wouldn't be worth the paper it was written on.

That’s really useful to know - I am in the process of obtaining a mortgage with Santander, who have offered a free valuation as part of the deal. I’m considering paying for a homeowners survey too, but based on this thread I should do that independently and not through the lender?

I’ve been told by my mortgage broker that mine will cost £615, so I’ll find out who that’s with.

Nationwide don't give you access to their valuation report so if you want something get their homebuyers or get an independant. £500 versus the cost of a house is really nothing, people who don't do their due dilligence in this area baffle me. I had a friend who bought an old property which looked lovely and then discovered it had dry rot and had to spend many tens of thousands putting it right. would have easily been identified in a survey. Spend the money now is my advice, if it falls through because of an issue it was money well spent.

Thanks everyone for your input!

Looking at the RICS website, a full structural survey looks no different to a Scottish home report, which looks the same as NW's homebuyers survey. None of them really seem to go into all that much detail, especially about things which wouldn't necessarily be that obvious, such as the condition of a septic tank.

The surveyor is coming to refresh our home report this afternoon. I'll ask and report back. Any other insights would be most welcome!

I can't imagine managing to get a builder in to look at it before moving, not least because they are incredibly difficult to get hold of for quotes up here.

I'm just buying a house. We had to have a valuation survey as a condition of the survey. We were going to have a building survey anyway. But the valuation survey brought up possible damp so the mortgage company have requested a damp and timber report.

The building survey is costing £700 plus vat. (that's in London).

I should probably clarify my view of Mortgage Surveys :) For older houses

Thanks Parkview

I'm just sitting going through the list of things I'm specifically concerned about. Your idea about a custom survey seems like a good way to go. DH said he was considering asking the Vendor to share the cost of an independent survey rather than having his home report refreshed.