Blog>Expert Advice>When is the right time to book in a home survey when buying a house?
Last updated: 30 September 2024
When is the right time to book in a home survey when buying a house?
Getting a house survey is an essential part of the buying process. But when's the best time to book in a home survey? Our handy guide is here to help.
Getting a survey is key part of buying your new home. It will tell you if the property is worth the price you have agreed to pay for it and will flag up any hidden problems or repairs that need fixing when you own it.
But when should I book in a home survey?
When tobook in a home survey
The best time to arrange a house survey is after your offer has been accepted on a property you want to buy.
This will be before the exchange of contracts.
Getting a home survey done at this point will give you peace of mind that the property is worth what the seller is asking for it
It will help speed up the purchase
It can also help you renegotiate a better price if any serious issues come to light
How long after the offer is accepted is it ok to do a survey?
Book in your survey roughly 1 - 3 weeks after your offer is accepted.
You'll also want to feel confident that the seller is committed to selling the property to you.
If the seller is slow in finding an onward purchase or if they change their mind and decide not to sell, you'll have wasted the cost of the survey
Make sure the seller has completed all the property documents, instructed a solicitor, and shown a commitment to sell the property to you
The best time to order your survey is at the same time you order your property searches when the draft contracts come in from the seller
Draft contracts are normally sent 1 - 2 weeks after the estate agent sends the sale memorandum
Do bear in mind it can take some time for a surveyor to visit the property and get their report back to you. You don’t want your survey to end up delaying exchange of contracts.
Get in touch with chartered surveyors in your area for more advice on when to get a survey on a property.
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How to arrange a survey when buying a house
You as the buyer are responsible for organising and paying for a house survey.
You will need to hire a surveyor who will tell you the state of repair the house is in and any possible risks with the property. This is usually done after your offer has been accepted.
If you are buying a property in Scotland, the buying process is different. It is up to the seller to organise a Home Report for the buyer. You should be able to view the Home Report before you even make an offer on the property.
What are the different types of house survey
Once you're ready to get a survey on a property, there are three main types of house survey to choose from:
Level 1 – Condition report
The most basic type of house survey and suitable for newer properties or properties in good condition.
It's a visual inspection that highlights obvious risks or defects and any potential legal issues. But, it won't include any detailed findings or offer advice.
Level 2 – Homebuyer report or Home survey
This is the most common level of survey in the UK. It provides a more detailed analysis of the property's condition including structural problems such as subsidence or damp.
It includes a property valuation and identifies any significant defects or concerns that may affect this value.
However, it's still only a surface-level survey, and surveyors only review what they can see – they won’t move furniture, lift carpet or floorboards, or dig deeper.
Level 3 – Building survey
Also known as a full structural survey, this is the most detailed (and most expensive) type of house survey, ideal for older properties or those needing significant renovations.
It includes a comprehensive breakdown of the property's condition and structure, flagging up any problems or defects that may require immediate attention.
A surveyor will check behind walls, under floorboards, and behind furniture to ensure they get a thorough picture of any potential issues.
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How long will a home survey take
Property surveys typically take between 1 - 8 hours, depending on the type of survey you request.
Condition Report: Usually takes an hour or less to complete
Home Survey: Usually takes between 90 minutes and 4 hours to complete. May take longer if there are access issues
Building Survey: Can take up to 8 hours to complete
Remember, the surveyor needs to make an appointment with the seller to view the property in question. This can take anything between a few days and a couple of weeks to sort out.
And once the surveyor has completed their inspection, it takes time to write up and finalise the report. As a general rule, a homebuyer report can take between 3 - 5 days to write up. A more detailed building survey can take up to seven days to complete.
When you book your home survey, your adviser will be able to confirm the process and how long it’s likely to take.
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Frequently asked questions
Can you get a survey done before making an offer?
You can arrange a survey before you've made an offer. But it's not generally needed or recommended:
The seller might not want you to carry out a survey before you make an offer
You may lose the cost of the survey if your offer is rejected or if the seller changes their mind
The best time to arrange a survey is after your offer has been accepted and before the exchange of contracts.
However if you are buying a property in an online auction, it's a good idea to commission a survey before making a bid.
What survey do I need when buying a house?
The level of house survey you choose will depend on the type and condition of the property you’re buying, as well as your own personal level of caution. Level 1 is a basic survey while Level 3 is a comprehensive structural report, ideal for older properties
You’re not legally obliged to carry out a house survey, but in most cases, it’s an extremely good idea to get one done.
If you do decide to hire a surveyor to do a house survey for you, make sure they’re an accredited member of either the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS) or the Residential Property Surveyors Association (RPSA).
How much does a house survey cost?
House survey costs vary depending on the level of investigation you require.
A basic Level One Condition Report costs on average £300
A Level Two Homebuyer Report costs around £450
A full Level Three building survey costing on average around £550
For a more detailed breakdown of costs read our house survey cost guide.
Should I get a survey when buying a house?
Although the various types of house surveys are optional, we highly recommend that you organise one when buying a house.
Here's why:
House surveys give you more information about the property you’re planning to buy and, hopefully, peace of mind
If any issues are uncovered in a survey, it can act as a tool to negotiate a lower price for the property
It’s best to know if there are any serious issues in case they’re a reason to pull out of a house purchase
Understanding possible repair works can help you budget for those additional costs
A property survey can help avoid any nasty surprises further down the line.
So, you’re ready to organise your house survey. Great stuff. Now it’s time to find a good local surveyor to do the job for you.
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