• Types of Survey

Our surveyors are able to offer professional advice for residential, commercial and industrial property, including:

1. Inspections and Mortgage Valuations for Mortgage Lenders.
2. Homebuyer Reports and Private Valuations for customers buying or selling a property.
3. Building Surveys.
4. Leasehold Reform
5. Property Management
6. Energy Performance Certificates for all types of residential properties to comply with European Legislation.

Additional profession work undertaken includes:

1. Valuations for Tax Planning purposes (Inheritance Tax, Capital Gains Tax).
2. Valuations for Legal Purposes (Matrimonial) .
3. Structural Surveys
4. Party Wall advice and Party Wall surveyor appointments and negotiations.
5. Building Defects Reports and Structural Reports.

Valuations for Lenders, Purchasers and Sellers

When selling or purchasing a property, obtaining the advice of a professional surveyor is always recommended. A survey will help to minimise the risk of defects being found after purchasing the property and help to eliminate unanticipated repair works. When making an offer, any defects or repairs noted can, in conjunction with the survey, be used to renegotiate the purchase price. For sellers, having a pre-sale survey can identify possible repairs that are likely to be mentioned in a buyer’s survey report and allows sellers to make the decision whether or not to have the work carried out before placing the property on the market.

Mortgage Valuation

This is a brief report carried out for a Mortgage Lender to assess only the value and suitability of the property for a loan and as such, the surveyor carries out only a limited inspection. As the Mortgage Valuation Report is prepared specifically for the lender, it may not contain information which, while important to a purchaser, is not of importance to the Mortgage company in deciding whether or not to lend on the property. It is for this reason that it is advisable to have an independent survey carried out.

Homebuyer Reports and Private Valuations

This is a standard survey suitable for all conventional houses, flats and bungalows that are in reasonable condition. This report provides more information than a basic Mortgage Valuation and includes general information on the condition of the property. It is based on a more detailed inspection than that of the basic Mortgage Valuation, commenting on the main elements of the property; where major defects are noted, the surveyor will recommend suitable courses of action. As the report will also include an opinion of value, many lenders will accept a transcription of this report onto their own Mortgage Valuation forms. This can often save purchasers having to pay for two inspections - i.e. their own Independent Report and a Mortgage Valuation.

Structural Building Surveys

A Structural Building Survey involves an extensive inspection of the property; the inspection and the report relates to walls (including windows and external doors), roofs, floors, stairs, dampness, timber rot and infestation. Fire and other safety hazards, significant outbuildings and the services (electricity, gas, water supply and hot and cold water, central heating and drainage) will also be reported on. The report covers immediate and foreseeable repairs, includes comments on limitations which may influence future condition and use and gives
advice as to appropriate remedies. General comment is also made on aspects of the site and location and the report highlights any issues which should be specifically investigated by a solicitor or other legal adviser. Structural Building Surveys can be undertaken on all types of property and are particularly suitable for older properties or those which have undergone renovation or extension.