Home buyer Surveys from Woodward Chartered Surveyors

The House Purchase Survey and Flat Purchase Survey are both RICS Level 2 reports.  They take what we believe to be the best of the old Homebuyer Survey and Valuation Report and updates it with some features from our Building Survey, without losing the Homebuyer value for money price.

The survey includes as standard digital photographs to better show you certain defects and exploded diagrams to help you understand how the parts of the building fit together.

A Flat Purchase Survey Level 2 is similar, but with special sections to cover common parts and leasehold issues.

The report is designed to assist a buyer of a residential property to make a reasoned and informed judgement on whether to proceed with a purchase. Its purpose is to report on matters of a significant nature that affect the property's value. It is a surface examination rather than "invasive" i.e. the surveyor does not lift floorboards or similar.
The surveyor is looking for signs of structural movement, damp (they use a special moisture meter), timber decay or poor construction.

The House Purchase Survey or Flat Purchase Survey are not usually suitable for properties in need of renovation, of unusual construction, over 150 years old or if you are planning major alterations. For this we recommend our Building Survey Level 3.

 

What a House Purchase Survey Level 2 or Flat Purchase Survey Level 2 by a Chartered Surveyor includes:

The House Purchase Survey Level 2 or Flat Purchase Survey Level 2 includes where possible* details of:

  • The general condition of the property
  • Any major faults in accessible parts of the building that may affect the value
  • Any urgent problems that need inspecting by a specialist before you sign a contract
  • Results of tests for damp in the walls
  • Damage to timbers - including woodworm or rot
  • The condition of any damp-proofing, insulation and drainage (though drains are not tested)
  • For Houses, the estimated cost of rebuilding the property for insurance purposes
  • An optional value of the property on the open market