Cracked walls

The best way to reach an informed decision on such an important investment as a home is to commission a professional survey of the property you are proposing to buy. Before you decide to go any further with your purchase you can minimise the risk by asking a qualified surveyor to carry out a survey for your own use. It is a simple and economical way to avoid unpleasant surprises before you move in. The surveyor's report may even enable you to renegotiate the price.

The Homebuyer Survey and Valuation, which is usually called the Homebuyer Service, is in a standard format designed by our Professional Body and intended as an economy appraisal.

It can be used for houses, flats and bungalows which are of a conventional type and construction and apparently in a reasonable condition. It will focus on defects and problems which are urgent or significant and which may have an effect on the value of the property.

Because it is an economy package it will have practical limits on the type of property for which it is suitable and on the scope of its coverage. It will be more expensive than a mortgage valuation but less expensive than a building survey.

By contacting us through the email link on this site we will provide you with a quick and competitive fee estimate or call us by telephone. When contacting us please let us have as much information as you can about the location of the property, its age, type and purchase price.

The Homebuyer Service is the copyright of the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors.