Building Report or Full Survey?

[DespairingHomeowner]

Hello wise MN ladies, can I ask if in my situation you’d recco a buildings report or FSS?

I’m looking to buy an end of (short) terrace, 1920s built house, with a 5 year old extension. Nothing unusual as far as I can tell, a few minor cracks upstairs (bedroom wall, cupboard), I also think some of the original plaster has had its day, but otherwise nothing to note. All looks well cared for /in good nick, property value around 500k. I’m not planning any further work myself

Is a homebuyers report going to be enough here, or false economy? I’m happy to do a FSS if it’s worth it/would pay for itself, otherwise wondering if the additional £500 cost on top of homebuyers is a waste for this property? (It’s much more as valuation is charged separately). I’ve looked online and it seems it’s a bit in the grey zone re age etc

Thanks in advance for your advice

What does your surveyor say? We asked ours and they said to do the homebuyer report.

@QueenStromba: Thanks, I asked surveyors assistant and she said it was right on the margin... they recco FSS when it’s older than 100 years, this one is 100 years...

Personally I’d err on the side of caution just because of the extension. Have seen too many friends move into 1950s properties where the main house is fine and the extension looks ok but starts leaking/shifting after a few years...

In that case I would go for the full structural but I'm quite risk averse.

Having paid for a full structural and previously had a homebuyers I don’t think the extra £300 I paid was worth is for the structural- no photos so hard to visualise any areas of concern/ you do get photos in the homebuyers. The areas/headings they cover are the same

@Shadowboy we had photos in our structural survey - lots of them. It may vary depending on surveyor.

I would get a full structural survey done on a house that old.

Thank you all for the comments... I’m still unsure, but also shocked to learn my mortgage offer is going to take a whole MONTH so looks like I will have time to work it out

Is 1920s considered old for a house?

It’s not just age. It’s type of construction, wall thickness/structure, drainage, foundations, roof, damp, extension foundations, cracks, joint with original house, etc. It’s up to you but age isn’t the only factor.,