Register
Which Survey?
Before you can buy your new home you need to arrange for a surveyor to carry out a survey of the property. A survey will tell you whether or not the property you hope to buy is a good investment without structural faults. Costs of surveys depend on the type of survey you choose and the size and condition of the property. It is always worth getting a few quotes before agreeing a price with a surveyor.
 
We've got you covered: Each office and every negotiator has access to a central database, so no matter which office you're with, your property will receive maximum exposure.
                 
Valuation Report   Homebuyer's Report   Full Structural Survey   Cost and time   Ashtons Top Tips
Mortgage providers usually insist on a valuation report before they will agree to lend you the money. This can usually cost around £300 and sometimes the lender may offer this for free. This is to confirm that the property is sufficient security to cover the loan. If your home is still under being built, the mortgage provider will carry out some checks on the builder and development. They will usually release the mortgage in stages, handing over the final money once the home is finished and can be valued.   This provides information about the basic fabric of a property and usually costs around £500. Only those parts of the property that are readily available will be covered. It will comment on defects or problems that may affect the value of the home.

If you are requiring a mortgage for your purchase you may still have to get a valuation report
  This is a more thorough survey of the way the property’s construction and condition than a Homebuyer's Report. It is therefore likely to cost twice as much. It will provide detailed information on how the property has been constructed, the materials used, the condition of the foundations, roof, walls etc. It is recommended for properties that are very old, run down or expensive.   The cost and time to complete your survey will depend upon which type of survey you have commissioned, and the size, condition and location of your home. It is best to get two or three quotes from different surveyors in the area to assess market rate. You may also wish to speak to your estate agent about typical costs in the area.   After deciding which type of survey is best for you always write to your surveyor to confirm your choice with details of the property and area.

New homes often come with a guarantee such as Buildmark that insure against major defects resulting from the builders failure to carry out the guarantor’s requirements.

If your new home does not come with a warranty, or you'd like the peace of mind that a structural survey brings, you could decide to commission a Homebuyer's report.

When buying a very expensive home, it may be worth your while to arrange for a full structural survey.
                 
 
© 2010 Ashtons Estate Agency