Survey

[Acres123]

Hi I am buying a house complete chain cash buyers. Person I am buying from has only been there 8 months. She is moving for family. The house is immaculate, should I get a survey done? we got on well, she told me how she renovated everything. I asked her agent as she has only been there 8 months, can she ask seller if there was anything on the survey. She was nice and said nothing major, told me the boiler only just 2 years old. I was happy with her answer, and wonder as survey is so new if I should have one done?

Definitely get a survey, it’s a business transaction.

It’s the biggest purchase of your life, why wouldn’t you spend a couple of hundred more to ensure that investment is wise? You would spend a lot less on shoes, but still try them on in a shop first!

Yes definitely get a homebuyers survey.

You need a full structural survey. End of.

If an earlier survey missed something the contract is not with you and indemnity will not cover a claim.

Thanks everyone I will get one

So you haven’t actually seen the previous survey, just taken their word for it? No way. Personally I’d want my own survey, but at the very least would want to read the previous one.

You only need a ‘full structural’ survey if it’s an older property, otherwise a Level 2 is fine.

Slightly off topic not all cash buyers are what they say, be prepared for some shocks

@givebeesachance I disagree.

@RosesAndHellebores I think even surveyors would disagree with you as well from my limited experience.

When getting quotes for our survey, we had some amazing surveyors who quoted and guided through each survey. All of them said unless the house is 100 years old, in an old mining area etc a level 3 wasn't really needed in their opinion.

I tend to find all surveys are doom and gloom anyway. Our latest one was well over 100 pages (l3 survey on a victorian detached) but the surveyor said for the age of the house and the price we have found a really good house.

Hmm, when we bought some investment flats (c25 years old and purpose built) the surveyor identified some roofing and window work that would have to be dealt with from an inadequate sinking fund. We were able to negotiate £7.5k off the agreed price.

Similarly on a 1996 built house purchased in 2013, significant defects were found in relation to the conservatory and the boiler was both inadequate for the heating system and needed replacing due to age. They have also been helpful in relation to works required to private roads

I have now got a level 2 survey thanks everyone for your help x

Why would she lie?

There is probably thousands of pounds worth of reasons.

Reno's are easily bodged and she is moving after just 8 months.

As for which survey, depends on the house. New builds then a level 2 is recommended. For older properties, anything with known issues or anything sub standard then level 3.

Level 2 only really has to comment on cosmetic things like how the kitchen counters/units LOOK etc... its pretty useless over all and hold no legal assurances.