June 17, 2025
First of all, what is a property survey?
A property survey (in the UK) is an inspection carried out by a qualified surveyor to assess them state and condition of a property before you buy it. It is different from a mortgage evaluation that is undertaken for the lender’s benefit. It is for the buyer, to uncover issues that might not be visible on a viewing.
Is a survey a legal requirement?
No, it is not a legal requirement to have a survey undertaken. However, we would always recommend a survey, particularly where:
- the property is old
- it has been heavily renovated
- it is in a poor condition or unusual construction
- you are planning to do major work after buying
Why bother with a survey?
Here are the main reasons buyers choose to get one:
- Avoid nasty surprises: Structural issues, damp, subsidence or roof problems might not be obvious without a survey.
- Negotiate price: If the survey flags costly repairs, you can ask the seller to lower the price or fix the issue before completion.
- Peace of mind: Even if nothing serious is found, it’s reassuring to know you’re not walking into trouble.
What types of surveys are there?
- You have three options open to you:
(a) to rely on the valuation made by your lender;
(b) to commission a ‘Home Buyer’s Valuation and Survey Report’;
(c) to instruct an independent surveyor to do a full structural survey.Valuation Survey
As stated above, this will usually be undertaken by the buyer’s lender to establish whether the property being purchased will be adequate security for the amount of the loan.
Homebuyer Survey and Valuation Report
This option is a compromise between the standard mortgage valuation and a full survey.
Full Survey
The potential expense of a full survey deters many from choosing this option. But it is worth noting that the expense of a survey is preferable to discovering too late that £30,000 worth of structural repairs need to be done to the property!
How much do surveys cost?
In and around Ipswich, prices vary depending on the survey type and property size, but you can expect to pay anywhere from £300 – £1,000.
So, do you need a survey when buying a house?
While it’s not compulsory, we always advise our clients to consider one. Not undertaking survey can be a costly mistake, even if the property looks fine on the surface. Think of it as a small investment that could save you from major expenses later.
How can our team of conveyancers in Ipswich help you?
If you’re buying in Ipswich and need friendly, expert advice, our team of conveyancers and solicitors in Ipswich are here to guide you through every step.