Countrywide surveyors bank payment or scam?

[Dragonfruity]

Just been contacted about arranging an L3 survey by Countrywide (our lender's preferred surveyor) and they've given us very little info yet asked us to send a bank transfer for a grand over to them asap before they'll discuss anything/book anything.

Being asked for a bank transfer up front seems weird and scammy to me, is this normal? I appreciate we'll need to pay in advance, but I'd expect to have some basic info first?

I'd call countrywide on their published phone number, not one they called from or provided and ask them.

Yeah that's what we were going to do but there are several national building surveyor companies called 'Countrywide' does anyone know the website for the actual one Nationwide uses?

Call your lender immediately.

How are you applying for the mortgage? Call your advisor or the lender direct and you'll be able to pay for your survey via them.

I've never heard of a mortgage lender having a 'preferred' surveyor. Which lender is this?

I don't like the sound of either of these things.

Sounds very odd.

We arranged our survey using a surveyor we found by recommendation. The survey for the mortgage was organised and paid for entirely by the bank.

And we got the information from the surveyor. Mulled it over. Booked the survey. It was done and report sent to us. THEN they invoiced us!

Sounds odd if it isn’t the basic valuation survey.

I wouldn’t want to pay it so would choose my own surveyor instead where the fees would be transparent.

Countrywide score 1.4 on Trustpilot so I would avoid.

Nationwide will usually do a L1 for free (basic valuation for mortgage) then you book in your own L3 through a company of your choosing. I wouldn't part with a penny until you've done your research. And I've never heard of a surveyor who doesn't take payment by card over the phone.

Tell the lender you will be organising yourself.

Nit odd at all & very common.

Lenders offer 3 levels of "survey"

Level 1 - basic valuation. Mainly for their purposes and usually free.

Level 2 - Hombuyers Report. Gives basic details but will highlight any major problems or issues. Usually c£500

Level 3 - Structural Survey. Full Report costing c£1000.

I expect Level 3 is what OP had gone for and quite common for it to be paid upfront. Really dont think it's a scam if you've arranged for one to be done via Nationwide. Although as a broker I've often found that its paid during the mortgage application.

I don't think there is any issue with this OP.

Yes, I know how surveys work but I have had three different mortgage offers from three different lenders, and not one of them has said “are you getting a survey? You should get a survey, here is who we recommend.” Lenders usually only send out their own surveyor, who is really a mostly there just to check the value.

lol at all these......"must be a scam" and "would never use the lender's surveyor".

They are all RICS registered & if they are going to visit the property to do the valuation why not kill 2 birds with 1 stone. As OP said, you usually get the opportunity to chat to the surveyor before they go so you can point out things you want checking.

I've been in the business over 30 years. Never known a conflict of interest.

Nevertheless @Dragonfruity is not receiving good customer service which is a red flag so they have every right to choose a different firm of surveyors who will be happy to talk through exactly what they will be getting for the money.

Most surveying companies are happy to talk you through the process and what you can expect at level 3 compared to level 2, for example. They will do this before you send them any money.

Our lender recommended a couple of survey companies. We ignored this and found our own local surveyor who sent us proper info (including an example of what the survey would include and some Ts and Cs) before we paid and accepted card payments. On no planet would I pay for this by bank transfer.

We have our mortgage through Lloyds. They did a valuation and L2 survey in one
We paid before the surveyor came but it was only about 250-300ish, I can't quite remember.

Very thorough survey, and the surveyor phoned us and talked through the survey in detail. I was ready to be disappointed but was pleasantly surprised.

Hi, jumping on with a query about countrywide - I'm a seller, and Countrywide are coming this week to see our property.

Have ready awful reviews on Turstpilot, are these to be believed, or only the disgruntled people who write reviews? Terrified that they'll put my house sale in jeopardy...

Someone suggested CW might get commission for giving a valuation lower than the agreed sale price, surely not?!

As seller if I'm not confident in the surveyor, can I request the lender/buyer seek a different surveyor? Or is that weird?