For the purchaser

“What types of surveys are there and which one do I need?”

There are two types of survey:

(1) A HOMEBUYER SURVEY & VALUATION REPORT.
(2) THE BUILDING SURVEY.

	HOMEBUYER Survey &Valuation	BUILDING SURVEY
Type of property	Conventional houses, flats, bungalows, etc., in apparently reasonable condition	Any residential or other property, in any condition
Type of service	Economy package in standard form	Can be custom-made to suit the needs of an individual client
Objects of service	To assist client to: (1) make an informed judgement on whether or not to proceed (2) decide whether or not property is a reasonable purchase at agreed price; (3). assess urgent and significant matters before exchanging contracts	To provide client with: (1) assessment of construction/condition of property; and (2) technical advice on problems and on remedial works
Special features	Focus on urgent and significant matters	Details of construction/materials/defects
Form of Report	Compact, fixed RICS format	Usually much longer, in surveyor's format
Valuation	Integral part of HOMEBUYER Service	Included in all Residential Surveys

Why have more than just a valuation?

• What is the true condition of the property?
• Are there problems or defects I don’t know of? How much will they cost to repair? What do I need to do about them?

Potential price renegotiation