RICS HomeBuyer Reports & Structural Surveys

A house or flat is likely to be one of the most expensive purchases of your life. Before making such a large commitment you need to know as much as possible about its structural integrity and condition.   

A survey report by Spencer & Co Surveyors will help you make an informed decision on whether to go ahead with the purchase. If we identify costly repairs, then this can lend weight to negotiating a reduction in the purchase price or it may persuade you to look elsewhere.

At Spencer & Co Surveyors, we can provide both the RICS HomeBuyer Report or the more detailed building surveys (formerly called 'Structural Surveys' and sometimes called a general condition survey).

RICS HomeBuyer Reports are typically used where a detailed assessment is not required, the property is relatively modern and significant interior alterations have neither been carried out nor planned. The survey is visual only, but does embrace all aspects of a building's construction. It also includes an opinion of market value and reinstatement cost.

Building surveys are much more detailed than the RICS HomeBuyer Report and are custom made to clients' needs. They aim to provide as much information about the construction and condition of a property based on a detailed inspection (although it is obviously subject to limits imposed by inaccessibility, exposure, the presence of carpets/furnishings and the requirement of not damaging the property). The building survey report includes information on construction and materials in regard to the age and character of the dwellings, as well as details of the whole range of defects, major or minor, which may materially affect its value.

The building survey does not normally include a market valuation or insurance reinstatement assessment, but this can be added if required.

Spencer & Co Surveyors provides surveys at affordable prices to residential clients.