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Surveys and Valuations

There are three main types:

•  Mortgage Valuations

•  Home Buyers Report (also known as a Level 2)

•  Structural Survey (also known as a Level 3)


Mortgage Valuations

This is carried out largely for the lenders benefit although you may well receive a copy. The fee is cheaper than other survey reports but less time is spent by the Valuer inspecting the property.

The valuation will be based on a limited inspection and contain much less thorough and detailed information about the property than you would probably need as a prospective owner and occupier of the property.

There may be serious defects in the property which are not revealed by the report and there may be omissions or inaccuracies in it which do not matter to the Society but might matter to you. It is important that you do not rely on this report when deciding whether to proceed with your purchase. The more comprehensive Home Buyers Reports and Structural Surveys require a much fuller inspection and give much more specific advice about the property, which would be more suitable for the needs of a prospective owner and occupier.

We strongly recommend that you obtain a more detailed report on the condition and the value of the property, which will enable you to decide whether or not the property is suitable for your purposes both as an investment and as your residence.


Home Buyers Report (Level 2)

If you wish to be entirely satisfied as to the condition of the property you must have a survey and report of your own.  A Home Buyers Report is far more detailed than the mortgage valuation and you can, if you wish, discuss its results with the Surveyor who should be a member of the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors of the Incorporated Society of Valuers and Auctioneers.

  • If you obtain a Home Buyers Report a higher fee is charged than perhaps the fee paid by your Mortgage Valuation.  We have spoken to Surveyors recently and understand that the minimum charge for a Home Buyers Report would be approximately £300.00.  We believe this will vary according to the purchase price.
  • This type of survey and report is particularly attractive when time is short or economy is important.  This involves a less comprehensive inspection than a structural survey but should be sufficient to obtain general opinion on the quality and condition of the fabric.   A valuation should also be provided in the report and advise whether or not the price agreed for the house is realistic, taking into account its repair and condition and the property market in general

This report would not usually be suitable for a Listed Building, a property constructed over 40 years ago or a substantially altered or renovated property.


Structural Survey

This is based on a very detailed examination of the house and does not normally include a valuation.  Fees for this type of report will depend on age, character and size of the house involved.  The cost will have to be negotiated with the Surveyor. This survey is suitable for all buildings and is our recommended survey report.

WE URGE THAT YOU HAVE A STRUCTURAL SURVEY REPORT CARRIED OUT BY A COMPETENT SURVEYOR

Please visit: www.rics.org/uk/upholding-professional-standards/sector-standards/building-surveying/home-surveys/

We can make recommendations for local surveyors, please contact one of our team if you would like us to do so.

Give us a call to discuss this service further

Wakefield:
01924 291111

Barnsley:
01226 794140