Why do I need my own survey?

As a buyer the best way to reach an informed decision on such an important investment is to have a professional survey and valuation of the property that interests you. Before you go ahead and commit yourself legally, you can minimize the risks by asking a qualified surveyor from TOPS to answer these questions.

• Is the agreed price reasonable?
• Are there drawbacks I don't know about?
• If so, what do I need to do about them?

Market valuation.

This is not a survey but a valuation similar to one, which a lending institution usually requires in order to establish the value of a property. The valuer will be looking for obvious defects in readily accessible areas of the property. He or she will only make recommendations about them if they consider that they significantly affect the value.

A Building Survey.

A Building Survey is suitable for all residential properties and provides a full picture of their construction and condition. It is likely to be needed if the property is, for example, of unusual construction, is dilapidated or has been extensively altered, or where a major conversion or renovation is planned. It is usually tailored to the client's individual requirements. The report includes extensive technical information on construction and materials as well as the details of the whole range of defects, major to minor.

The Homebuyer Survey and Valuation.

The Homebuyer Survey is designed specifically as an economy service. It differs materially from a Building Survey in two major aspects.

It is intended only for particular types of home:
Houses, flats, maisonettes and bungalows which are:

• Conventional in type and construction.
• Apparently in reasonable condition.

It focuses on essentials:
Defects or problems, which are urgent or significant and thus have an effect on the value of the property, although it also includes much other valuable information.

The surveyor's main objective in providing the service is:
To assist the prospective home buyer to:

• Make a reasoned and informed judgment on whether or not to proceed with the purchase.
• Assess whether or not the property is a reasonable purchase at the agreed price.
• Be clear what decisions and actions should be taken before contracts are exchanged.
• The surveyor also gives his or her professional opinion on the particular features of the property which affect its present value and may affect its future resale